Farenthold resigns from Congress

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U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold announced late Friday afternoon he would resign immediately from Congress.

The announcement comes months after reports from the House Ethics Committee that it would open an investigation into the now former congressman and whether he sexually harassed a former staffer, then retaliated against her when she reported his conduct.

In December, Farenthold announced that though he will not run for re-election, he intended on finishing out the remainder of his term. He explained the decision to resign in a statement through video on Friday afternoon.

“While I planned on serving out the remainder of my term in Congress, I know in my heart it’s time for me to move along and look for new ways to serve,” Farenthold said. “Therefore, I sent a letter to Governor Greg Abbott today resigning from the House of Representatives effective 5 p.m. today, April 6, 2018. It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve the constituents of the 27th district of Texas.”

Questions remain on promises he made to repay the $84,000 in taxpayer funds he used to settle the sexual harassment suit. Farenthold made no mention of the allegations that ended his congressional career nor any updates on repaying the money.

Farenthold served the 27th Congressional District of Texas that spans from Corpus Christi and Victoria through Gonzales and up to Bastrop County.

“Leaving my service in the house, I’m able to look back at the entirety of my career in public service and say, it was well worthwhile,” he stated in the video.

Farenthold concluded the video by saying, “I look forward to staying in touch with everyone. It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve. Thank you so much. Please stay in touch. I love y’all. God bless you. God bless Texas, God bless America.”

Farenthold promptly deleted his Twitter and Facebook profiles.

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