Politics | Congress GOP Congressman Abruptly Quits Blake Farenthold of Texas wasn't running for re-election anyway after harassment allegations By Newser Editors and Wire Services Posted Apr 6, 2018 4:35 PM CDT Copied In this Dec. 19, 2017, file photo, Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Texas, arrives for a meeting of House Republicans on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) A Texas congressman beset by a slew of sexual harassment issues is leaving office sooner than expected. Republican Blake Farenthold, who previously decided not to seek re-election, has abruptly resigned—as of 5pm Friday, reports USA Today. “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," he says in a statement. Farenthold has acknowledged that he oversaw a congressional office with a frat-house atmosphere, but his biggest scandal was the revelation that he used taxpayer money to pay an $84,000 sexual harassment settlement to a former female staffer. The House ethics panel was investigating his behavior, and it's unclear whether those inquiries played a role in the quick resignation. Read These Next Minneapolis shooter had a plan—and grievances. American Taylor Townsend gets an earful after her US Open win. Belichick's girlfriend is embracing 'gold digger' idea. A pregnant 17-year-old died after a road rage shooting. Report an error