The US House Ethics Committee recommended censuring Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards of North Carolina for fostering a hostile work environment and engaging in sexual harassment through lavish gifts and attention toward two young female staffers, according to a report released on August 3, 2026 [1, 2, 3].
The 25-page report found Edwards violated the House code of conduct that prohibits sexual harassment and unwanted advances, though it found no evidence of actual sexual activity [1, 2, 3]. Edwards frequently commented on staffers’ appearance and weight, sent late-night personal messages, paid for their vacations, gave thousands of dollars in gifts, and wrote poems for one staffer [1, 3]. The Ethics Committee stated, "A member of Congress should not single out a staffer and isolate them from other staff, make frequent comments regarding that person’s appearance and weight, send messages in the middle of the night, text staff deeply personal and seemingly romantic thoughts, intrude on personal occasions without invitation, pay for personal vacations, and spend thousands of dollars on gifts for staffers" [1].
The investigation, launched on May 14, 2026, detailed Edwards’ persistent unprofessional conduct, which made other staffers uncomfortable [2, 3]. The committee report further said, "Representative Edwards engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct towards two young female staffers... his pattern of behavior would lead a reasonable observer to interpret it as such, including providing lavish gifts, making comments on appearance and dress, inviting to intimate dinners and vacations, and sending notes of effusive affection" [3]. Some relevant messages were reportedly deleted from Edwards’ phone during the investigation [3].
Edwards has acknowledged some behavior may be seen as inappropriate but denies misconduct and has not fully accepted responsibility for harm caused [1, 2, 3]. He dismissed the allegations as "horseshit," according to sources [2].
Edwards was elected to Congress in 2022 after defeating Madison Cawthorn and is seen as vulnerable in his 2026 re-election bid [1]. Democratic opponent Jamie Ager said, "My heart goes out to the young women who took these roles to serve our community. We deserve leaders with the moral character western North Carolina can be proud of" [1].
The bipartisan Ethics Committee plans to introduce a privileged resolution to censure Edwards before the full House [2]. Since the House is out of session until August 31, 2026, no floor vote is expected before then [2]. The House must approve censure by a simple majority vote.
