WASHINGTON, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Blake Farenthold, a Republican Representative from the U.S. state of Texas, resigned Friday after facing an ethics investigation into his alleged sexual misconduct.

"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," Farenthold, 56, said in a statement.

The congressman added that he had sent a letter to Texas Governor Greg Abbott resigning his seat effective 5:00 p.m. Friday.

The U.S. House Committee on Ethics said a week earlier that it was investigating Farenthold over allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation involving a former female staffer.

While Farenthold has denied the sexual harassment accusation, he said late last year that he would not seek re-election.

"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," the former conservative radio show host said then.

It was reported in December that Farenthold used 84,000 U.S. dollars from taxpayers to settle the sexual harassment claim, which he has publicly promised to repay.

Steve Stivers, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee Representative, urged Farenthold to be true to his words and pay back the money. "Congress must hold ourselves to a higher standard and regain the trust of the American people," he said in a statement.

Farenthold is the latest of several U.S. lawmakers who have resigned or not sought re-election after being accused of sexual harassment. There is no immediate plan from Texas to fill Farenthold's congressional seat.