Trigger Warning: This article includes discussion of alleged sexual assault.
Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards of North Carolina has withdrawn his bid for a third term after facing sexual harassment allegations. However, the Donald Trump-backed congressman has no plans to resign and will complete his current term, which ends in January.
Chuck Edwards withdrew from the race after the Ethics Committee recommended censure over allegations
The 65-year-old announced the decision in a post on X early on Aug. 5, writing, “After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to withdraw from my re-election campaign. I will complete my current term. Serving Western North Carolina has been the honor of my life. Thank you for your trust, prayers, and support. God bless WNC and America.”
According to NBC News, the House Ethics Committee stated in its 25-page report that 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 panel recommended on Aug. 3 that the full House censure Edwards after determining that he had engaged in repeated unprofessional conduct toward two young female staffers.
According to the Daily Mail, the ethics panel found that the representative sent notes describing “effusive affection” toward the young staffers and made remarks about their appearance and attire. The two female staffers had served in Edwards’ office for several years and have since moved on from their roles.
The report states, “Both women received numerous gifts from Representative Edwards, including jewelry totaling over $1,000, designer purses, guns, shoes, flowers, a laptop and cell phone, KitchenAid mixer, robotic vacuum, vacations, tickets to performances, and one-on-one dinners.”
The investigation found no evidence that Edwards engaged in sexual activity with the staffers or suggested such conduct. However, the report stated that his conduct may have violated House ethics rules regarding sexual harassment. Edwards, who has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since early 2023, has denied any wrongdoing.
The allegations against Edwards follow the resignations of former Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales, who left office after facing sexual misconduct accusations. Meanwhile, the House Ethics Committee recently announced an investigation into Rep. Max Miller. He is facing a temporary restraining order filed by Stephanie Grisham, according to People. The former White House press secretary for Trump alleged she was in an abusive relationship with Miller during his time as a White House staffer. Miller has denied the allegations against him.
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Originally reported by Meenakshi Sengupta on Mandatory.
