Johnson said Gaetz’s resignation is effective “immediately.” A special election will be held in Gaetz’s western Florida district to determine his replacement.

The action ends the House Ethics Committee’s investigation into Gaetz. The panel said in June it was expanding its investigation to include additional allegations. The committee is investigating a variety of claims that Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct and illegal drug use, accepted “inappropriate gifts” and granted special favors. Gaetz denied the allegations.

The speaker said he asked Gaetz about his reason for resigning from office, and he cited state law that “defines an eight-week period to select and fill a vacant seat.”