Former Texas Rep. Blake Farenthold, who leaves office amid harassment charges, dies at the age of 63

Former Texas Republican U.S. Rep. Blake Farenhold, a Republican of Texas, who left Congress amid sexual harassment charges, died. He is 63 years old.

Steve Ray, his former long-time political adviser, said he died at Corpus Christi Hospital and has suffered from heart and liver problems in recent years. Farenhold's wife, Debbie Farenhold, confirmed that he died on Friday.

Blake Farenhold was elected in 2010, frustrating long-serving Democratic Rep. Solomon Ortiz. Seven years later, Farent Holder announced that he would not seek reelection.

In a video he posted on the campaign's Facebook page at the time, he denied a three-year-old allegation from a former assistant, including comments and behaviors he made to her sexually suggestive comments and actions before firing her after she complained. He apologized for the office vibe, saying: “Disruptive gossip, deputy comments, color jokes and behaviors are generally less than professionals.”

He said in the video that if he stayed in Congress, he would spend months trying to defend himself.

“We all make mistakes,” Ray said Saturday. “He made some mistakes.”

Ray described him as “technology” and was interested in the internet and technology before he was involved in politics.

“He did a tremendous job as a member of Congress in the field,” Ray said. “His heart is indeed always in the right place.”

Ray said Farent Holder was a sidekick to a conservative radio talk show host before becoming a member of Congress.

“When he decided to run, no one in the world thought he would win.”

When he left the office, he started his own radio show until his death.

Ray said that in addition to his wife, Farentald also survived two adult daughters, Morgan Baucum and Amanda Lawrence.