Texas Republican Party leaders say they've succeeded in keeping U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold off the 2018 ballot after worrying that the retiring congressman's name might still appear.
The announcement Wednesday comes a week after Farenthold announced he wouldn't seek another term amid allegations of sexual harassment. He has denied the accusations but apologized for angry outbursts in his office.
Despite Farenthold's retirement, the deadline in Texas for candidates to withdraw had already passed. The Texas GOP has six candidates running to replace Farenthold and sued to keep his name off the primary ballot.
Party leaders now say they're moving to drop the lawsuit after state elections officials signaled they can't compel the Texas GOP to include the four-term congressman.
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