Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards of North Carolina announced early Wednesday that he is ending his bid for a third term in Congress, just days after the House Ethics Committee recommended he be censured over findings that he engaged in repeated inappropriate conduct toward two young female staff members.
“After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to withdraw from my re-election campaign,” Edwards wrote in a social media post. “I will complete my current term. 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 announcement follows a House Ethics Committee report concluding there is “substantial reason to believe” Edwards violated House rules by failing to adhere to standards prohibiting sexual harassment and unwanted advances toward congressional staff.
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Ethics panel recommends censure
The bipartisan committee recommended that Edwards be formally censured by the House after finding he engaged in “persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct” toward two female aides.
According to the committee’s report, Edwards violated the House Code of Official Conduct by failing to uphold “the spirit of rules prohibiting sexual harassment of and unwanted advances to House staffers.”
The panel found Edwards repeatedly blurred professional boundaries by providing lavish gifts, commenting on the women’s appearance, inviting them to intimate dinners and vacations, and sending notes expressing affection. While investigators concluded there was no evidence Edwards explicitly propositioned either woman or engaged in sexual activity with them, they said his conduct would reasonably be interpreted as inappropriate and created an uncomfortable workplace.
The full House had been expected to vote on whether to censure Edwards when lawmakers return from the August recess.
Edwards denies wrongdoing
Edwards has consistently denied that his actions amounted to sexual harassment or misconduct.
In a statement released by his campaign after the Ethics Committee report, his representatives argued the findings “completely exonerate Representative Edwards under the House rules governing sexual misconduct or harassment.”
The campaign noted the committee concluded Edwards neither engaged in sexual activity with staff members nor explicitly propositioned them.
“They concluded that he neither engaged in sexual activity with nor explicitly propositioned any individual staff member. They concluded that the allegations in this matter do not implicate quid pro quo sexual harassment. They concluded he did not violate federal sexual harassment law,” the statement said, adding that Edwards “looks forward to having his name cleared.”
Broader scrutiny of congressional conduct
Edwards’ decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of lawmakers accused of misconduct.
Former Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales both resigned earlier this year after facing allegations of sexual misconduct. On Tuesday, the House Ethics Committee also announced it had opened an investigation into Rep. Max Miller of Ohio, who faces allegations of domestic abuse and possible drug use.
Miller has denied the abuse allegations, said he has a valid prescription for the medication in question, and pledged to remain in his reelection campaign.
North Carolina race shifts
Edwards was first elected to Congress in 2022 after defeating former Rep. Madison Cawthorn in the Republican primary. He represents North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District, which includes Asheville and much of western North Carolina.
With Edwards leaving the race, Republicans will now look to field a replacement candidate before the general election.
Democrat Jamie Ager secured her party’s nomination in the March primary and is already on the November ballot.
Although the district has not elected a Democrat since 2010, national Democrats have viewed the seat as increasingly competitive heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
