TX Congressman Blake Farenthold won't seek re-election

U.S Representative Blake Farenthold withdrew from the Republican Primary Thursday amid sexual harassment allegations.

The congressman was under fire over a sexual allegation lawsuit he allegedly paid $84,000 of tax payer money to settle.

The suit was filed by a former aide in 2014 she accused Farenthold of inappropriate conduct. More allegations came to light in the recent days questioning the congressman’s role in Congress. 

"I allowed a work place culture to take root in my office that was too permissive,” Farenthold said in a statement he released on Facebook. “decidedly unprofessional it accommodated disruptive gossip offhand comments off-color jokes and behavior that in general was less than professional."

Farenthold said he withdrew from the race to avoid a political distraction. 

“I allowed the personal stress of the job to manifest itself in angry outburst often,” Farenthold said. “And failed to treat people with the respect that they deserve.That was wrong.  Clearly it's not how I was raise, it's not who I am."

His constituents were not surprised by the representative stepping down. Mike Bergsma the Republican County Chairman of Nueces County said he understands why and is sad to see his friend go.

“Because I know his character he’s hard-working. He’s been a very good congressman and represented this district very well,” Bergsma said. "We've been bringing good government to Nueces County lowering taxes and controlling spending and all that sort of thing and I hope that this distraction doesn't get in the way of continuing that."

Farenthold missed the deadline to formally withdraw so his name will remain on the ballot. There are five other candidates also running for Farenthold’s position.