Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.) on Tuesday submitted his official letter of resignation to House leaders.
“I have made the decision to retire from my position as the Member of the United House of Representatives from Michigan’s Thirteenth Congressional District effective today,” Conyers wrote in the letter, addressed to Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).
{mosads}Speaking to a local radio station earlier Tuesday, Conyers announced his plans to step down from Congress amid mounting allegations of sexual harassment.
During the interview, he was defiant in both maintaining his innocence and defending a legacy he insisted “can’t be compromised or diminished.”
“This too shall pass,” Conyers told radio host Mildred Gaddis.
“And I want you to know that my legacy will continue through my children.”
Conyers endorsed his son, John Conyers III, to replace him, setting up a potential Conyers family showdown for the seat. The lawmaker’s great-nephew, Ian Conyers, told The New York Times recently that he also plans to enter the race.
Multiple women have accused Conyers of sexual misconduct and both Pelosi and Ryan had previously called for Conyers to step down.