Pennsylvania lawmaker confirms extramarital affair with personal friend

Republican Rep. Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania admitted on Wednesday he had an extramarital affair with a personal friend.

"Last year I became involved in an affair with a personal friend," a statement from Murphy read. "This is nobody's fault but my own, and I offer no excuses. To the extent that there should be any blame in this matter, it falls solely upon me."

"I ask the media to respect the privacy of my family. They have done nothing wrong and deserve to be left alone."

Murphy issued the statement through his attorney.

The affair with Shannon Edwards, a 32-year-old forensic psychologist, began in February 2016, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Murphy made their relationship public on Wednesday after the Post-Gazette won a court motion to unseal a divorce action as part of Edwards's divorce from her husband.

Murphy was also ordered to present himself to a deposition to the divorce case by September 29.

Murphy, 64, is married and has a daughter, the Post-Gazette reported. He is serving his eighth term in Congress and is a commander in the US Navy Reserves, according to CBS News.