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The House Ethics Committee confirmed Thursday that it is investigating allegations involving Rep. Chuck Edwards, including claims that the North Carolina Republican may have fostered a hostile work environment and engaged in sexual harassment toward female staffers.
In a public statement, the bipartisan panel said it is reviewing allegations that Edwards “may have created or fostered a hostile work environment and engaged in sexual harassment.”
Edwards denied wrongdoing and said he would cooperate with the inquiry.
“As I have stated, I welcome any investigation and plan to comply fully with the Committee,” Edwards said in a statement Thursday. “I am confident the investigation will expose the facts, not politically motivated fiction.”
The announcement came after aides to Edwards acknowledged last week that an ethics inquiry was underway, dismissing the allegations as baseless.
According to a person familiar with the matter, staff members on the Ethics Committee have contacted at least two former Edwards aides who said they felt uncomfortable with the congressman’s behavior. The allegations reportedly involve Edwards’ comments toward staffers, his purchase of gifts and hiring decisions.
The allegations have not been independently verified.
Edwards, who represents a competitive western North Carolina district, is facing a reelection challenge from Democrat Jamie Ager. Democrats view the district as a potential pickup opportunity in their effort to reclaim the House majority in 2026.
Earlier this year, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added Edwards’ district to its “Red to Blue” target list, signaling increased national investment in the race.
The Ethics Committee’s confirmation also follows heightened scrutiny of lawmakers accused of misconduct during the current Congress.
Earlier this week, the panel disclosed additional details regarding its investigation into Rep. Cory Mills, including allegations involving possible domestic violence, which Mills has denied.
The committee also recently requested information from potential victims of sexual misconduct involving members of Congress or congressional staff.
Last month, Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales resigned while facing separate Ethics Committee investigations tied to alleged sexual misconduct.
Swalwell has denied allegations that he sexually assaulted a former staffer. Gonzales acknowledged having a relationship with a staff member, which violates House rules prohibiting sexual relationships between lawmakers and aides.
