A powerful state lawmaker on Monday admitted to once having an account with the infidelity website Ashley Madison.

Rep. Allen Peake, R-Macon, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that “there is no one to blame for this but me. No excuses. This was my fault. I’m just deeply sorry to have hurt my family and friends in this way.”

Peake is perhaps best known for successfully legalizing the use of medical marijuana for patients who suffer from a variety of illnesses.

In an e-mail sent to friends over the weekend, Peake said he opened the account several years ago in a "dark period" in his marraige. He said he told his wife more than two years ago and the couple worked to save their marriage.

“It was stupid and I was an idiot for going on there,” he wrote in the email.

Political experts on Monday said Peake's future in politics is rocky, but that voters are often forgiving of elected officials who admit their shortcomings.

Peake said he does not plan to resign but has not decided whether to seek re-election in 2016. He has previously said he is considering a bid for lieutenant governor in 2018.

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U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, (R-Ga.) speaks in the stat Senate chambers during legislative day 26 in the state Capitol, Monday, March, 3, 2025, in Atlanta. Voters from the 14th Congressional District interviewed by the AJC say they are sticking with the firebrand politician despite her recent breaks from Republican positions.  (Jason Getz/AJC)

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