WASHINGTON — New York Democrat Eric Massa is stepping down from his seat, effective Monday, in the House of Representatives.

Knowledgeable Democratic officials told The Associated Press today that Massa, who has announced he will not seek re-election due to a recurrence of cancer, is resigning his seat.

The House ethics panel is reviewing a complaint by a male staffer who reportedly felt uncomfortable in a situation with Massa that had sexual overtones.

The freshman lawmaker won a longtime Republican district that was carried in 2008 by John McCain.