Governor Greg Abbott has called upon a former U.S. Congressman who resigned due to sexual harassment allegations, to pay for the special election that will be held to choose his replacement.
In a letter sent this week, Abbott wrote to former Congressman Blake Farenthold (R-Corpus Christi) to ask him to pay for the special election that will be held to choose his replacement. Abbott said in the letter that while Farenthold has promised to pay back an $84,000 sexual harassment settlement that was paid for using taxpayer dollars, there is no legal order requiring Farenthold to pay back the money. Therefore, Abbott requested Farenthold to pay for the costs required in holding a special election to choose his successor in his district.
Abbott also stressed that his district is one that was affected by Hurricane Harvey and that use of federal funds for hurricane relief require congressional approval. Abbott said that this makes the special election even more pressing.
"This seat must be filled," Abbott said in the letter. "...The counties and taxpayers in the 27th Congressional District should not again pay the price for your actions."
A response from Farenthold was requested by Abbott, due May 2nd.
For more information, please visit gov.texas.gov.
