AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas GOP will be able to keep embattled Texas Republican Congressman Blake Farenthold off the primary ballot.

Farenthold filed to run for reelection before new reports of sexual harassment surfaced last week. After the allegations, the Congressman said he wouldn't run again. But his decision came after the candidate filing deadline, leading many to believe his name would still be on the ballot. The state party sued the Secretary of State's Office to keep his name off the ballot.

But at a hearing in federal court today, lawyers for the Secretary of State's office say the agency doesn't have any enforcement authority.

"There's really no reason for us to be in court today because that leaves Chairman Dickey up with the discretion that he ultimately desires, and what he ultimately wants to do with the ballot certifications,” said Chris Gober , Lawyer for Texas GOP.

Unless an individual sues the Texas GOP, today's hearing clears the way for Republicans to leave Farenthold's name off the 2018 primary ballot.