Politics

Congressman Blake Farenthold Resigns

(Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

Benny Johnson Columnist, Viral Politics
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Embattled Texas Rep. Blake Farenthold announced he is resigning effective 5 p.m. Friday.

In a memo obtained by the Daily Caller, Farenthold laid out the reasons for his resignation. He said he believed his work was “well worthwhile.”

“While I planned on serving out the remainder of my term in Congress,” Farenthold said, “I know in my heart it’s time for me to move along and look for new ways to serve.”

The Republican from Texas originally announced he would not seek re-election after a 2017 report that he used $84,000 in taxpayer money to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit with a former staffer. He was under investigation by the House Ethics Committee at the time of Friday’s announcement.

Farenthold issued the following statement Friday:

Since being elected to Congress in 2010, I’ve worked to make government more efficient and responsive, cut government spending, repeal Obamacare, protect life and reduce the debt. Locally, I’ve worked tirelessly to get federal funding for the widening and deepening project at the Port of Corpus Christi and help our other area ports and military facilities. I’ve also been extremely successful in working with our communities on recovering from Hurricane Harvey. Most importantly, I’ve been able to help countless people, especially veterans with their problems with the federal government.

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.

Therefore, I sent a letter to Governor Greg Abbott today resigning from the House of Representatives effective at 5:00 p.m. today, April 6, 2018.

It’s been an honor and privilege to serve the constituents of Texas’ 27th Congressional District. I would like to thank my staff both in Washington and Texas for all of their hard work on behalf of our constituents. I would also like to thank my family for their unwavering support and most importantly the people that elected me.

Leaving my service in the House, I’m able to look back at the entirety of my career in public office and say that it was well worthwhile.

Constituent services by the Congressman’s Red Tape Cutters, academy nominations and other services will continue under the supervision of the Clerk of the House.

The Farenthold office also released this video: