INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Rep. Mark Souder — an evangelical Christian who promoted abstinence education and was known for his outspoken views on religion — said Tuesday that he is resigning from Congress because of an extramarital affair with a part-time staff member.
The announcement by the eight-term Republican rocked party leaders, who had counted on keeping the Republican-leaning district in a year that many expect will favor the GOP nationally come November.
Souder’s staff contacted the staff of House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, on Sunday to alert them to the situation. Boehner spoke on the phone with Souder on Monday. Boehner spokesman Michael Steel said the minority leader “has been perfectly clear that he will hold our members to the highest ethical standards.”
Rumors of Souder’s infidelity had circulated in the northeastern Indiana district for months. Opponents reported receiving anonymous calls a few days before the May 4 primary with allegations of the affair.
But Souder’s announcement that he would resign effective Friday and the confession of the affair stunned many voters who had backed his conservative support for family values and traditional marriage.
Souder was alone during an emotional news conference at his Fort Wayne office during which he apologized for his actions but provided no details. He said his wife and family were “more than willing” to stand with him, but “the error is mine and I should bear the responsibility.”
Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels said he was surprised and disappointed by Souder’s announcement but supported his decision to leave office.
“He did a wrong thing, but now he’s done the right thing,” Daniels said.
A spokeswoman from Daniels’ office said a special election will be held to fill the vacancy. The winner would complete the remainder of Souder’s term that ends in January.
Souder, 59, has been married to his wife, Diane, since 1974, according to the biography on his office website. They have three adult children and two grandchildren.
