The House Ethics Committee has recommended the censure of Republican North Carolina Rep. Chuck Edwards following an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and fostering a hostile work environment. The committee's report found that Edwards engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct toward two young female staffers who had previously worked for him when he served in the North Carolina state Senate.

One staffer was hired as his congressional scheduler at age 19 before finishing college, and the other served as a legislative staffer. According to the committee, Edwards’ conduct included lavish and recurrent gifts valued at over $1,000, such as jewelry, designer handbags, vacations, Broadway tickets, electronics, household appliances, and one-on-one dinners and elaborate day trips. The investigation also cited comments about the women’s appearance, invitations to private dinners and vacations, affectionate notes, late-night personal texts, poems, and offers of spa treatments and casino outings.

Although Edwards denied any sexual or romantic intent, the committee concluded that his behavior would have appeared otherwise to a “reasonable observer.” The report stated that Edwards violated the House Code of Official Conduct by failing to adhere to the spirit of rules prohibiting sexual harassment and unwanted advances toward House staffers.

The Ethics Committee announced its investigation into Edwards in May 2026 after receiving complaints following a public call in April for information about sexual misconduct in Congress.

In response, Paul Shumaker, speaking on behalf of Edwards’ campaign in a statement posted on X by Spectrum New’s Reuben Jones, argued that the committee’s findings “completely exonerate Representative Edwards under the House rules governing sexual misconduct or harassment” and said they contradict the panel’s ultimate conclusion.

Notable Quotes

  • "Edwards engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct towards two young female staffers."
  • "Violated the House Code of Official Conduct by failing to adhere to the spirit of rules prohibiting sexual harassment of and unwanted advances to House staffers."