Blake Farenthold

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Randolph Blake Farenthold


U.S. Representative for Texas' 27th congressional district
In office
January 3, 2011 – April 6, 2018 (resignation)
Preceded by Solomon P. Ortiz

Born December 12, 1961
Corpus Christi, Texas
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Debbie Farenthold
Children Two children
Alma mater University of Texas at Austin

St. Mary's University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas

Randolph Blake Farenthold (born December 12, 1961 in Corpus Christi, Texas) is an American attorney and the Republican former U.S. Representative for Texas' 27th congressional district. He unseated the 28-year Democratic incumbent Solomon P. Ortiz in the 2010 general election. Prior to his election to Congress, he was a conservative radio talk show host.

Because of a sexual harassment charge by a former staff member, in response to which Farenthold used taxpayer funds to pay a settlement, Farenthold did not seek a fifth term in the Republican primary held on March 6, 2018. Two Republicans, Bech Bruun (36 percent) and Michael Cloud (34 percent), compete in the May 22 runoff contest for their party's nomination. Two Democrats will contest their party runoff, Raul "Roy" Barrera (41 percent) and Eric Holguin (23 percent). In the District 27 primary 43,893 votes were cast for the Republican candidates; 21,187 for the Democrats.[1]

Though he had hoped to complete the term to which he was elected in 2016, Farenthold announced on April 6, 2018, that he was leaving his House seat immediately in the wake of the sexual harassment scandal and was seeking "new ways to serve."[2] Governor Greg Abbott must now call a special election to complete Farenthold's term.

The Huffington Post reported that Farenthold resigned so abruptly to avoid imminent punishment from the House Ethics Committee, perhaps a requirement that he pay the $84,000 in taxpayer money spent to settle a previous sexual harassment lawsuit brought by a former aide, Lauren Greene. Though Farenthold had pledged in December 2017 to pay the money, he left Congress without having done so.[3]

References

  1. Election Returns. Texas Secretary of State (March 6, 2018). Retrieved on March 8, 2018.
  2. Juliegrace Brufke. GOP Rep. Farenthold announces resigns over sex harassment scandal. Msn.com. Retrieved on April 6, 2018.
  3. Jennifer Bendirey of The Huffington Post (April 17, 2018). Here's Why Congressman Blake Farenthold Resigned So Abruptly. Msn.com. Retrieved on April 18, 2018.