The embattled lawmaker cited an inability to focus on his duties amid a scandal-plagued series of news reports about his campaign and official expenses, a saga ignited by a Washington Post story about his office decor in February. POLITICO was first to report the news Tuesday.

“I do this with a heavy heart. Serving the people of the 18th District is the highest and greatest honor I have had in my life,” Schock stated.

“But the constant questions over the last six weeks have proven a great distraction that has made it too difficultfor me to serve the people of the 18th District with the high standards that they deserve and which I have set for myself.”

Schock was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2008 at the age of just 27. At the time he assumed office, he was the youngest member of Congress, and is still its third-youngest today.