Rep. Chuck Edwards withdraws from re-election after House ethics panel recommends censure
Rep. Chuck Edwards announced he is ending his re-election campaign following a House Ethics Committee recommendation that the full chamber censure him for persistent unprofessional conduct toward two female staffers.
Rep. Chuck Edwards, a Republican from western North Carolina, said on Wednesday he will not seek another term after the House Ethics Committee recommended a censure for alleged harassment of two female staff members. Edwards posted on X that he will complete his current term and thanked constituents for their support.
The bipartisan ethics panel concluded that Edwards engaged in "persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct" toward the staffers, citing lavish gifts, comments about appearance, intimate dinners, and vacation invitations that could be interpreted as sexual advances. While the report found no evidence of sexual activity, quid-pro-quo harassment, or violations of the letter of federal law, it determined the behavior violated the House Code of Official Conduct.
Edwards, 65, has denied that his actions were intended to be sexual or romantic and said he cooperated with the investigation. He previously defeated Rep. Madison Cawthorn in the 2022 GOP primary and has kept a low profile in Congress.
"The Committee found that Representative Edwards violated the House Code of Official Conduct by failing to adhere to the spirit of rules prohibiting sexual harassment of and unwanted advances to House staffers," the Ethics Committee wrote in its 25-page report.
The committee’s recommendation calls for a formal disapproval by the full House, a step that could further pressure Edwards to leave office.