Rep. Michael Grimm is resigning from Congress, after guilty plea

(Image credit: Michael Graae/Getty Images)

last updated 8 January 2015

It looks like late-night comedians won't have Michael Grimm to kick around anymore: Two months after being re-elected to a second term, the New York Republican announced Monday night that he is resigning from the House, effective Jan. 5. Grimm, from Staten Island, pleaded guilty last week to one count of federal tax evasion, and his decision to step down reportedly follows a meeting with House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio). Previously, Grimm had vowed to serve as much of his second term as possible.

"The events which led to this day did not break my spirit, nor the will of the voters," Grimm said in a statement. "However, I do not believe that I can continue to be 100 percent effective in the next Congress, and therefore, out of respect for the office and the people I so proudly represent, it is time for me to start the next chapter of my life." That may include jail time: Grimm has his sentencing hearing on June 8.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.