WASHINGTON—The U.S. House Committee on Ethics has recommended that Representative Chuck Edwards of North Carolina be formally censured after concluding that he engaged in a pattern of inappropriate conduct toward two young female staff members, prompting the Republican lawmaker to announce he will not seek reelection.
The bipartisan committee's report found substantial evidence that Edwards repeatedly engaged in unprofessional behavior that violated House standards governing sexual harassment and workplace conduct. The panel recommended that the full House adopt a resolution publicly censuring the second-term Republican, one of the chamber's most serious disciplinary measures short of expulsion.
According to the committee, Edwards gave expensive gifts to the aides, made repeated personal comments about their appearance, sent affectionate messages and invited them to private dinners, vacations and other personal outings. Investigators said the conduct created an uncomfortable working environment and was exacerbated by the power imbalance between a member of Congress and junior staff.
The committee said it found no evidence that Edwards engaged in sexual relationships with the staff members or explicitly propositioned them for sex. Nevertheless, it concluded that his repeated conduct amounted to inappropriate workplace behavior warranting formal discipline.
Edwards has denied acting with romantic or sexual intent. His attorneys argued that the committee's recommendation was disproportionate and maintained that the findings did not establish violations warranting censure. The committee, however, concluded that the impact of Edwards' conduct on the employees, rather than his stated intent, was central to its determination.
Hours after the report became public, Edwards announced he would end his reelection campaign while completing the remainder of his current term in Congress. In a statement posted on social media, he said the decision followed reflection and prayer but did not directly address the committee's findings.
Edwards represents North Carolina's 11th Congressional District, a western North Carolina seat that Republicans are seeking to retain in the November midterm elections. His withdrawal from the race is expected to require state Republican officials to select a replacement nominee under applicable election procedures.
The House has not yet scheduled a vote on the Ethics Committee's recommendation. If the chamber adopts the resolution, Edwards would be required to present himself in the House well for the Speaker to publicly read the censure resolution, in accordance with longstanding House practice.
