North Carolina Republican Congressman Chuck Edwards announced on Wednesday that he will not seek re-election, just two days after a bipartisan House Ethics Committee recommended that the full House censure him over allegations of sexual harassment involving two female staff members. Edwards, who has represented western North Carolina since 2023, said the decision came after prayer and family discussions.
"After much prayer, thoughtful reflection, and many conversations with my family, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from my re-election campaign," Edwards wrote in a social media post on Wednesday morning. He confirmed he intends to serve out the remainder of his current term, which ends on January 3.
Ethics Committee Findings
The House Ethics Committee released a 25-page report on Monday recommending that the full House vote to censure Edwards. A censure is a formal reprimand and does not carry criminal penalties. The committee found that Edwards had "engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct," but said there was no evidence of sexual contact or explicit propositions to any staff member.
The report documented a series of gifts Edwards gave to female staffers valued at over $1,000 (£742), including jewellery, designer purses, guns, shoes, flowers, a laptop, a mobile phone, a KitchenAid mixer, a robotic vacuum, vacations, and tickets to performances. He also funded a trip for a female staffer and her friend to New York City to see the musical Hamilton following her breakup.
In addition, the committee noted that some messages on his phone had been deleted, including one recovered from another source that showed a photograph of 30 different types of ice cream he allegedly sent to a female staff member's home. Her reply read: "this seems a bit excessive."
Comments on Appearance
The committee also found that Edwards repeatedly commented on female employees' appearances, calling them "breathtaking" or remarking on one staffer's weight. These comments, along with the gifts, formed the basis of the committee's recommendation.
Edwards Denies Sexual Intent
Edwards maintained that none of his behaviour was intended as a sexual or romantic advance. The committee acknowledged this but concluded that his "pattern of behaviour would lead a reasonable observer" to view his actions as such. It said his conduct failed "to adhere to the spirit of rules prohibiting sexual harassment of and unwanted advances to House staffers."
The BBC said it had contacted Edwards' office for comment. Edwards, a business owner, entered Congress after defeating Madison Cawthorn in the 2022 Republican primary. Cawthorn, who is currently seeking a Republican nomination for a House seat in Florida, had previously faced separate sexual misconduct allegations of his own.
