Blake Farenthold, a former U.S. Representative from Texas and conservative radio host, has died at the age of 63. His death was confirmed by his wife, Debbie Farenthold, and longtime political adviser Steve Ray. Farenthold passed away on June 21, 2024, due to health-related issues, though no additional medical information has been released by the family. Known for his rapid rise during the Tea Party movement and later controversies, Farenthold remained a notable figure in conservative political circles until his death.
Born on December 12, 1961, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Randolph Blake Farenthold came from a family with political ties. His step-grandfather was Frances Farenthold, a former Texas State Senator. He studied radio, television, and film at the University of Texas at Austin and earned a law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law. Before entering politics, Farenthold worked as a lawyer and also ventured into media consulting and internet-based business projects.
Farenthold first gained national attention in 2010 when he ran as a Republican candidate for Texas’s 27th congressional district. He defeated Democratic incumbent Solomon Ortiz, who had held the seat for nearly 30 years. This win was seen as part of a broader conservative surge linked to the Tea Party movement. His victory highlighted the shift in political sentiment among Texas voters during that period.
While serving in Congress, Farenthold focused on reducing government spending, reforming taxes, and cutting federal regulations. He supported transparency and spoke frequently about improving government efficiency. His policies and views aligned with traditional conservative values, and he quickly built a strong following among right-leaning voters. He served four terms in the House of Representatives, beginning in January 2011 and resigning in April 2018.
Despite his early success, Farenthold’s career faced major setbacks due to a sexual harassment scandal. In 2014, it was revealed that a former aide, Lauren Greene, accused him of making inappropriate comments and creating a hostile work environment. The lawsuit was settled using $84,000 in taxpayer funds, which led to widespread criticism. Farenthold denied the most serious claims but admitted that his office culture lacked professionalism. He acknowledged making offhand jokes and said the environment was full of gossip and distractions. Public pressure mounted for him to repay the settlement amount, but he did not do so.
In December 2017, Farenthold announced that he would not seek re-election. He officially resigned from Congress in April 2018, stating that staying in office would have required him to spend months defending himself instead of focusing on legislation. His departure came during a broader cultural reckoning on workplace misconduct in politics and other industries.
After leaving Congress, Farenthold moved into the media space. He launched a conservative talk radio show where he discussed politics, current events, and issues affecting Americans. He remained active in regional political debates and continued to support free market policies and limited government. He also briefly worked as a lobbyist for a Texas port authority, a role that drew some criticism due to concerns about compliance with post-Congress ethics rules.
Farenthold’s career was marked by both strong support and public controversy. His rise from a local attorney to a national political figure reflected the shifting tides of American politics during the early 2010s. His later challenges highlighted the increasing scrutiny on behavior and ethics in public office. Despite the scandal that led to his resignation, many of his supporters remember him as a committed conservative who pushed for smaller government and less regulation.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie, and their family. Funeral arrangements have not been announced, and the family has requested privacy as they mourn his loss.
