WASHINGTON — Texas GOP Rep. Blake Farenthold has abruptly resigned from Congress amid sexual misconduct allegations.

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The Corpus Christi Republican previously announced his retirement in December amid sexual harassment allegations. But in a statement released Friday said it was time for him to “move along and look for new ways to serve.”

Michael Rekola, who was Farenthold's communications director in 2015, described the congressman as verbally abusive and sexually demeaning.

Rekola said he gave his two weeks’ notice after Farenthold made sexually crude comments about his wife.

In 2014, another former communications director for Farenthold sued him for sexual harassment which ended with a settlement. Farenthold used $84,000 in taxpayer funds to settle the lawsuit.

Farenthold has apologized for angry outbursts but denied sexual harassment allegations. 

Farenthold's decision to step down now means the governor can call a special election to fill the seat.

The winner would serve until early January.

Currently, two Republicans are in a run-off race to replace him next year. Two Democrats are also in a primary run-off for the seat.