A military veteran who was running for Congress in Arizona announced he is suspending his campaign on Monday after he reportedly overdosed on heroin.
“Today, I have suspended my campaign for the US House of Representatives and am seeking treatment for substance abuse disorder. I will fully cooperate with local authorities on any matters arising from my recent relapse and overdose,” Chris Taylor told CNN. “Im not going to hide from this. Im not ashamed of what happened. I wish to sincerely apologize to the amazing people who have supported me,” Taylor said.
Taylor, who is a city council member in Safford, Arizona, said that he relapsed after staying sober for “many solid years.”
“Im not going to hide from this. Im not ashamed of what happened. I wish to sincerely apologize to the amazing people who have supported me,” Taylor said.
After enlisting in the U.S. Army in 2007, he served two combat tours in Iraq. Taylor said he used drugs to cope with the numerous traumatic experiences he had while in Iraq.
“The horrors I witnessed on the battlefield came home with me and like many veterans, I didnt know how to cope. I sought help at the VA but fell victim to a government that forgot its promises. I began misusing prescriptions and developed an opioid addiction. It was a long road to recovery,” he said in a campaign video, according to the broadcaster.
Taylor was running for the Republican nomination for Arizonas 1st Congressional District, which is currently held by Rep. Tom OHalleran, a Democrat.
A family member had discovered Taylor unresponsive in his home on Wednesday night, reported Gila Herald.
Officials also allegedly discovered drug paraphernalia at the Safford Fire Department, where Taylor has volunteered, according to the
The Epoch Times
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