After months of insisting he had done nothing wrong, Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham, 63, tearfully acknowledged taking $2.4 million in bribes, saying: “The truth is I broke the law,” according to Associated Press.

The eight-term pro-gun Republican and former Vietnam Navy pilot pleaded guilty to graft and resigned on Nov. 28, admitting he took money mostly from defense contractors in exchange for government business and other favors.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s office will have 14 days to set a date for an election to replace Cunningham. The election must be held within 120 days after that. The district, just north of San Diego, is heavily Republican.