Earlier this week Congressman Eric Massa said ongoing health concerns made him decide not to seek re-election. Just days later, he says he won't even finish his first term. As our Kaitlyn Lionti explains, Massa is owning up to his role in a sexual harassment complaint and is leaving office with what he calls a profound sense of failure.

SOUTHERN TIER, N.Y. -- Two days after announcing he would not seek another term, Congressman Eric Massa says he's calling it quits. The resignation comes amid an investigation into a sexual harassment complaint by a male staff member.

In a statement on his website, Massa said:

"After I decided not to run again I was told, for the first time, that a member of my staff believed I had made statements that made him feel "uncomfortable." I was told that a report had been filed with the Congressional Ethics Committee. At no point prior to this had any member of the Ethics Committee communicated with me directly, in fact I first read it on the internet."

Hornell Mayor Shawn Hogan received a call from Massa's office Friday about his resignation.

"We're still trying to recover from Wednesday's news and definitely an added shock that no one expected,” said Hogan.

Massa says his behavior failed to meet his own standards.

"There is no doubt in my mind that I did in fact, use language in the privacy of my own home and in my inner office that, after 24 years in the Navy, might make a Chief Petty Officer feel uncomfortable. In fact, there is no doubt that this ethics issue is my fault and mine alone,” said Massa.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand says Massa made the right decision.

"The other surrounding issues, they are very troubling, they're very serious and people do have grave concerns but that means for the rest of us, we have to work that much harder to rebuild confidence, to show that government can work properly,” said Gillibrand.

Hogan says the situation should send a message.

"The politics in this country has become a blood sport, it's very venomous and it really prevents good people from stepping up to the plate and running for office. They don't want to be attacked and have people attempt to destroy them,” said Hogan.

Massa says he will leave office with a "profound sense of failure" and apologizes for his actions.

"I hope that my family, constituents, and fellow Members of Congress can accept this apology as being both genuine and heartfelt and I wish for them and all Americans only the best,” said Massa.

He will formally resign Monday at 5pm.