Rep. Blake Farenthold Randolph (Blake) Blake FarentholdThe biggest political upsets of the decade Members spar over sexual harassment training deadline Female Dems see double standard in Klobuchar accusations MORE (R-Texas) plans to retire after his term is up at the end of 2018, according to two GOP sources.

Farenthold spoke with GOP leaders, including Speaker Paul Ryan Paul Davis RyanKenosha will be a good bellwether in 2020 At indoor rally, Pence says election runs through Wisconsin Juan Williams: Breaking down the debates MORE (R-Wis.) and Rep. Steve Stivers Steven (Steve) Ernst StiversBusiness groups back pandemic insurance bill modeled on post-9/11 law National Retail Federation hosts virtual 'store tours' for lawmakers amid coronavirus Stronger patent rights would help promote US technological leadership MORE (R-Ohio), chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, ahead of an expected announcement.

Farenthold did not respond when questioned Thursday morning in a Capitol hallway.

He later announced his retirement in a video posted to Facebook and acknowledged he had managed an office with a dysfunctional workplace culture. But he continued to deny the allegations made by Lauren Greene, a former aide who accused him of sexual harassment.

"I had never served in public office before. 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," Farenthold said.

"An unprofessional work environment is not a crime," he added. "But it's embarrassing to me and to my family. It reflects poorly on the institution of Congress, on my colleagues, and my constituents. And they deserve better."

The House Ethics Committee announced earlier this month that it would open an investigation into Farenthold, particularly whether he sexually harassed Greene and retaliated against her when she complained about his conduct.

ADVERTISEMENT

Greene was fired from Farenthold's office in 2014, and she filed a lawsuit against the congressman later that year. Politico reported earlier this month that Farenthold settled that suit in 2015 for $84,000 in taxpayer money.

Farenthold has said that he will repay the settlement.