US Senator Al Franken says he is resigning after accusations by several women of sexual misconduct.
Democratic senators, staff and family members were sombre yet emotional as they watched the Minnesota senator say he would resign.
Franken was facing multiple sexual misconduct allegations. After his 11 minute speech on Thursday, Democrats lined up to hug him.
He said he would resign in the coming weeks.
He has repeatedly apologised as several women accused him of sexually inappropriate behaviour, and as his support from fellow Democrats evaporated.
Franken said he had been an advocate for women.
He said he'd used his position "to be a champion of women."
Despite the allegations, "I know who I really am", he said.
"Even on the worst day of my political life, I feel like it's all been worth it."
He said some charges against him were untrue and that he remembers other differently than his accusers do.
But he says women "deserve to be heard and their experiences taken seriously".
