Breaking: Rep. Farenthold just resigned abruptly - here's why

Republican Representative Blake Farenthold of Texas resigned abruptly Friday and many believe a probe over sexual harassment claims is the cause.

Here's what happened

Farenthold released a statement Friday explaining that it was untenable for him to continue serving in Congress.

"While I planned on serving out the remainder of my term in Congress," the statement read, "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," he added.

Farenthold had been at the center of a political firestorm after allegations surfaced of inappropriate sexual misconduct.

According to a Politico report, Farenthold used taxpayer funds to settle a 2014 sexual harassment lawsuit from his former communications director Lauren Greene. When it was reported that $84,000 of public funds were used, Farenthold said he would pay the sum back. He has still not done so according to many reports.

He had announced previously in December that he wouldn't seek re-election, but there were many calls for his resignation even after that concession.

“I’d never served in public office before,” he said in December. “I had no idea how to run a congressional office and as a result, I allowed a workplace culture to take root in my office that was too permissive and decidedly unprofessional.”

Farenthold also deleted his official twitter account after the announcement of his resignation:

Here's the CNN video report about his resignation: