Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, has set a special election for June 30 to replace ex-Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Texas, who resigned in disgrace amid sex harassment allegations.

The filing deadline for candidates is Friday; early voting will go on from June 13-26, Abbott's announcement declared.

"All counties contained within this district continue to be under the state disaster declaration related to the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, making it imperative that we fill this vacancy as soon as possible," Abbott said in a statement.

"Hurricane relief efforts depend heavily on action at the federal level, which can only occur if Texans residing in disaster zones have full and effective representation in Congress," he added.

The Republican lawmaker resigned April 6 in the wake of revelations he had tapped $84,000 of taxpayers' money to settle a sex harassment claim three years ago.

Republican and Democratic runoff elections for Farenthold's seat are taking place as part of the upcoming midterm election, The Hill noted; the district is expected to remain in Republican hands for both contests.