Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams Not Seeking Reelection

Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams announced he will not seek reelection at a press conference Friday morning, saying he will spend his remaining time in office rebuilding the public's trust after he accepted gifts and failed to report them.

Williams, who has served as the DA since 2010, said he chose not to seek reelection for a third term and discussed his receiving gifts during his time in office.

"This is a decision I'm making – I believe – in the best interest of this office and in the best interest of my family," he said. "My only goal was to be a good steward of this office and to turn it over to my successor in a better place than I found it."

Williams highlighted some of the successes his tenure brought to the city, such as lowering crime rates, decreasing gun violence, and leniency for non violent drug offenders, among other initiatives taken on by Williams and his office.

However, Williams said his receiving of gifts cast a shadow over the positive notes of his time in office.

"During my enure, I have made regrettable mistakes in my personal life and personal financial life that vast an unnecessary shadow over the district attorney's office," he said. "I no longer want in any way to stand in the way of the men and women of this who have the mission of doing justice and serving the citizens and ensuring safety everyday."

Williams said his accepting of gifts and failure to report them brought shame to the office.

"For this i will always hold deep regret in my heart," Williams said. "To those who have served, to those who serve today, and to those who will serve in the future: I offer my deepest and sincere apologies."

Despite being mired in controversy, Williams said he's thankful for the opportunities he has been given and thanked his children and ex wife for their support.

"There's not way for me to appropriately express my gratitude to the people of Philadelphia who allowed me the privilege of serving them in so many way."

Williams said the remainder of his time in office will be spent earning back the public's trust that he said he lost.

Williams left Friday's conference without taking questions from media outlets.

Image via City of Philadelphia