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The House Ethics Committee said Monday it is investigating allegations that Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez of California engaged in sexual misconduct, including alleged inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer.
The bipartisan committee said in a statement that it is reviewing the allegations but cautioned that the existence of an investigation does not establish that Gomez violated federal law or House rules.
“The mere fact that it is investigating these allegations, and publicly disclosing its review, does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred,” the committee said.
The investigation adds to scrutiny of Gomez, who acknowledged Monday that he has made personal mistakes but denied violating the law or House ethics rules.
Ethics Committee launches formal review
The House Ethics Committee said it is examining allegations that Gomez “may have engaged in sexual misconduct” involving a House staffer. The committee did not provide additional details about the allegations and said it would make no further public comment except as required under its rules.
The inquiry was first reported publicly in June, after CNN reported that the committee had opened an investigation following a New York Post report about an alleged 2023 encounter involving Gomez and a younger congressional aide who worked for another member of Congress.
According to CNN, the committee uncovered additional allegations of sexual misconduct after beginning its review of that report.
Gomez has said the conduct at issue was consensual and did not violate House rules or federal law.
Gomez acknowledges personal misconduct but denies wrongdoing
In a statement Monday, Gomez said he had made mistakes outside his marriage but rejected allegations that he had violated federal law or House ethics rules.
He apologized to his wife, family, friends and constituents and said he had sought professional assistance to address the consequences of his actions.
Gomez also said he would cooperate with the Ethics Committee investigation and provide whatever information the panel requests.
“I respect the Committee’s process and am confident that a full and impartial review of the facts will bear that out,” Gomez said.
The committee’s investigation will determine whether the allegations amount to violations within its jurisdiction.
What the Ethics Committee can do
The House Ethics Committee has authority to investigate allegations involving House members, including potential violations of federal law and congressional rules.
The panel can recommend disciplinary action when it finds that a member violated House standards. Any recommended punishment can then be considered by the full House.
The committee’s work comes shortly after it recommended that the House censure Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards of North Carolina following an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment.
Edwards subsequently announced that he would not seek reelection.
The Gomez investigation does not mean that the California Democrat has been found to have committed misconduct. The committee explicitly emphasized that point in announcing its review.
The outcome could depend on what investigators determine about the allegations, the conduct involved and whether any House rules or federal laws were violated.
