Key facts
- Rep. Chuck Edwards is ending his re-election campaign.
- The House Ethics Committee recommended censure for Edwards.
- The committee found Edwards engaged in "persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct" toward two female staffers.
- Edwards stated he will complete his current term.
- Edwards cooperated with the investigation and did not challenge the findings.
Rep. Chuck Edwards announced Wednesday that he is withdrawing from his re-election campaign following a recommendation from the House Ethics Committee for censure due to inappropriate conduct toward two female staffers. Edwards stated he will complete his current term, serving Western North Carolina.
The bipartisan Ethics Committee found that Edwards engaged in "persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct towards two young female staffers," violating the House Code of Official Conduct. The committee's 25-page report detailed that while Edwards denied any sexual or romantic intent and cooperated with the investigation, his pattern of behavior included lavish gifts, comments on appearance, invitations to intimate dinners and vacations, and other activities aimed at spending time together. The panel noted that the allegations did not involve quid pro quo harassment or violate the 'letter' of federal sexual harassment law, but could be interpreted as such by a reasonable observer.