Democratic congresswoman Katie Hill has resigned after compromising photos of her were published.

Ms Hill, who had been a rising star in the House of Representatives, said the photos had been “weaponised” by her husband and political operatives.

The explicit photos along with text messages allegedly sent to a campaign worker were published in a right-wing publication online and on a British news website.

The house ethics committee said last week that it was “aware of public allegations that Representative Katie Hill may have engaged in a sexual relationship with an individual on her congressional staff” and was investigating.

Ms Hill, 32, has denied an improper sexual relationship with a male congressional staffer but has admitted and apologised for an “inappropriate” relationship with a female campaign employee, according to Politico.

She said on Sunday that she was quitting congress “with a broken heart”.

She said: “Having private photos of personal moments weaponised against me has been an appalling invasion of my privacy. It’s also illegal, and we are currently pursuing all of our available legal options.

“However, I know that as long as I am in congress, we’ll live fearful of what might come next and how much it will hurt.”

She added: “This is what needs to happen so that the good people who supported me will no longer be subjected to the pain inflicted by my abusive husband and the brutality of hateful political operatives who seem to happily provide a platform to a monster who is driving a smear campaign built around cyber exploitation.

“I can no longer allow my community, family, friends, staff, supporters, and especially the children who look up to me as a role model, to suffer this unprecedented brand of cruelty.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the most powerful Democrat in congress, said Ms Hill had brought a “powerful commitment to her community and a bright vision for the future”.

Mrs Pelosi added: “She has acknowledged errors in judgement that made her continued service as a member untenable.

“We must ensure a climate of integrity and dignity in the Congress and in all workplaces.”

Ms Hill, one of the few bisexual women in congress, is in the process of divorcing husband Kenneth Heslep, who she accuses of being abusive. He denies this, instead saying she had rejected him to pursue her career.

Ms Hill is the vice chair of the powerful house oversight committee and had a position in the house Democratic leadership.

She won her seat from northern Los Angeles County in 2018, one of several seats Democrats took that had been held by Republicans in California.

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