Rep. John Conyers announced he's retiring, effective immediately.
Conyers had served in the U.S. House as one of Michigan's representatives for more than 50 years. But he was recently hospitalized after being caught up in a sexual harassment scandal.
Several prominent Democrats, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, called on Conyers to resign after news of the scandal gained steam. He did step down from his role on the House Judiciary Committee, but he was initially unwilling to bend to pressure from Congress.
Several other national lawmakers besides Conyers, including Sen. Al Franken and Rep. Blake Farenthold, are facing similar harassment allegations.
Conyers' great-nephew, Ian Conyers, plans to run to replace his great-uncle. The younger Conyers is currently a state senator in Michigan.
In his announcement, the retiring lawmaker endorsed his son John Conyers III to replace him.
