Updated at 5:27 p.m. ET

Embattled Rep. Anthony Weiner resigned today after admitting to sexually charged relationships with women on Facebook and Twitter.

"Today I am announcing my resignation ... so my colleagues can get back to work, my neighbors can choose a new representative, and most importantly, that my wife and I can continue to heal from the damage that I've caused," the New York Democrat said.

Weiner announced his resignation at a senior citizens center in Brooklyn, where he launched his first political race for New York City Council about 20 years ago. He was interrupted by a lewd heckler.

A Democratic source, who asked for anonymity, confirmed to USA TODAY that Weiner informed Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of his plans last night while she was attending the annual congressional picnic at the White House.

Weiner, first elected to Congress in 1998, apologized again to his colleagues, constituents and his wife, Huma Abedin, "who has stood with me in this entire difficult period and to whom I owe so very much." She was not at the news conference.

The lawmaker, once touted as a leading candidate for New York City mayor, admitted he sent lewd photos of himself to a young Seattle woman and lied about it for several days. Since then, salacious photos and details have been disclosed.

The scandal, highlighting the dangers of sexting on social media, has rocked the U.S. House for the past three weeks, distracting Democrats as they tried to focus on GOP plans to revamp Medicare before next year's elections.

"Congressman Weiner exercised poor judgment in his actions and poor judgment in his reaction to the revelations. Today, he made the right judgment in resigning," said Pelosi, who had called on Weiner to step aside.

Sen. Charles Schumer, Weiner's former boss and mentor, issued a statement praising his friend's public service.

"On this sad day, we should not forget that Anthony Weiner was an effective and passionate advocate for the people he represented in Brooklyn and Queens," Schumer said. "He has served his community, city and country well for over two decades."

House Democratic leaders planned to meet today to discuss Weiner's fate. One possible action was to oust him from his post on the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee if he continued to rebuff the calls to step down.

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This week, the House granted Weiner a two-week leave of absence after he said this weekend that he'll enter a treatment facility. The House ethics committee has begun a preliminary inquiry into Weiner's actions.

Weiner, 46, decided to go into treatment after Pelosi, national party chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and campaign chairman Steve Israel called on him to resign. President Obama also has said Weiner should step aside, saying the congressman has "embarrassed" himself.

A Marist poll showed 56% of registered voters in his district said he should not resign.

Weiner reportedly told friends he was waiting for his wife to return from an overseas work trip before deciding his next step. Abedin, an aide to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, returned early Wednesday. She is pregnant with the couple's first child.

The scandal is a stunning fall from grace for Weiner, known for his combative and aggressive style. He succeeded his former boss, Democrat Charles Schumer, in the district that encompasses parts of Queens and Brooklyn. Weiner also served on the New York City Council from 1992-1999.

The New York Times had reported that former council member Eric Gioia had been approached to run for the congressional seat.

(Contributing: Fredreka Schouten)