SARASOTA, Fla. -- A Republican candidate for the Florida Legislature who falsely claimed she had a college degree and posted a purported copy of her diploma online dropped out of her race on Tuesday.
- Melissa Howard removes self from District 73 race
- She admitted she didn't graduate from Miami University
- Opponent Tommy Gregory among those calling for her to resign
That is according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Melissa Howard told the Tribune it was the right decision to drop out of the race for the Florida House seat.
"I made a terrible error in judgment," Howard said. "I am thankful for everyone who gave so much toward my success, and I am deeply sorry."
Howard last week posted a photo of herself with what looked like a Miami University diploma after being accused of lying about her degree. The Ohio university later sent reporters a statement saying she attended the school, but never graduated and the diploma Howard posted has inaccuracies.
Howard later posted an apology on her campaign Facebook page and admitted she didn’t graduate from the school.
Donna Hayes, former chair of the Manatee County Republican Party, was among those calling for Howard to drop out of the race for District 73.
"The worst thing is, it's so deceitful to voters," Hayes explained. "The voters are the ones getting hurt."
Howard's opponent in the race, Tommy Gregory, called Howard's behavior "dishonorable" and possibly criminal.
According to Florida statutes, falsifying a college degree is a first degree misdemeanor.