Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., is pictured outside the U.S. Capitol on May 12, 2026. The House Ethics Committee has recommended Edwards be censured.
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The House Ethics Committee has advised censure for Rep. Chuck Edwards due to what it describes as “persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct towards two young female staffers.”
Following a lengthy investigation into the North Carolina Republican, the committee released a detailed report on Monday, which spans 20 pages.
The committee, comprised of members from both parties, clarified that no evidence was found suggesting Edwards propositioned the staffers or engaged in any sexual relations with them.
The report highlights that Edwards conveyed to the committee his understanding of “sexual harassment” during his interview.
“[He] seemed to believe that by avoiding inappropriate physical touch, explicitly sexual comments, and occasionally telling staffers that they were free to put up boundaries with him, he had immunized himself from such a charge,” the report reads. “That is not the case.”
The inquiry focused on accusations that Edwards, who assumed office in 2023, might have fostered a hostile work environment and engaged in sexual harassment.
Edwards’ reelection campaign spokesman criticized the report, arguing that the committee staff “has taken it upon themselves to write their own rules based upon an interpretation that is inconsistent with the written rule of law or House rules.”
“Representative Edwards looks forward to having his name cleared and will work to ensure that the full light of day is brought on this process and that every member of Congress and the public can see the attempt to harm the Congressman who has brought no harm to others,” stated spokesman Paul Shumaker.
In a separate rebuttal, the congressman’s lawyers argued that the panel had not shown that the staffers had expressed their discomfort to Edwards.
“Representative Edwards has been denied the opportunity to challenge the factual allegations guaranteed to him under House rules,” they wrote, adding that the congressman “sincerely regrets that his behavior created discomfort” for the staffers involved.
Details from the investigation reveal Edwards lavished the staffers with “lavish and recurrent gifts,” including items such as jewelry over $1,000, designer purses, firearms, shoes, flowers, electronic devices, and even vacations and private dinners.
The report also noted that he made remarks on their appearances, invited them to exclusive dinners and trips, and sent notes expressing “effusive affection.”
Both women reportedly tried to convey their unease with Edwards’ behavior, eventually leading a senior staffer to address the issue with him.
This staffer testified that Edwards, 65, remarked she “didn’t understand the unique relationship” he shared with the staffers.
Throughout the investigation, Edwards cooperated with the committee, which involved 16 witness interviews, including Edwards himself, and a review of over 1,500 pages of evidence.
The panel voted to release this report on July 22. With the House currently on recess, censure proceedings would not commence before September. A censure represents the most severe sanction the committee can suggest, short of expulsion, essentially serving as a public reprimand on the House floor.
