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Republican Congressman Patrick Meehan of Pennsylvania decided to resign from Congress effective Friday, April 27.  He is facing sexual harassment allegations by a former aide.

In January, Cong. Meehan announced that he will not seek re-election this year. His decision came after the New York Times reported that he used taxpayer money to settle the complaint. He denied harassing his former aide, whom he considered as a “soul mate.” He said the payment was a “severance."

On Friday, the Pennsylvania Republican said he will pay back the $39,000 made from his office account to settle the allegations. Cong. Meehan said he will make the payment within 30 days of his resignation from Congress.

In a statement, Cong. Meehan said “stepping down now is in the interest of the constituents.” He explained that he already achieved his important priorities in Congress. He fought to fully fund our troops, increase support for medical research, and preserve promising clean energy solutions.

Cong. Meehan is proud of his accomplishments

Additionally, the GOP lawmaker believes that he will be “exonerated of any wrongdoing.” However, he does not want to put his staff through the rigors of an Ethics Committee Investigation.

According to him, it is “best for them to have a head start in new employment.” The investigation will not become a burden to taxpayers and his staff because he chose to resign.

Furthermore, he said, “Though I wish my time in Congress would have finished in a more satisfying manner, I am proud of our accomplishment and thank the residents of my District for their confidence in me over the last eight years."

Meanwhile, Gov. Wolf is expected to call for a special election to replace Cong. Meehan in the 7th congressional district of Pennsylvania.

Under Pennsylvania law, the governor must issue a writ of election within ten days of a vacancy. A special election must follow not less than sixty days after the issuance of the writ.

Cong. Meehan submitted his resignation letter to Gov. Tom Wolf and House Speaker Paul Ryan on Friday.