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Rep. Chuck Edwards drops re-election bid after censure recommendation over harassment claims
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., announced he is withdrawing from his re-election campaign following the House Ethics Committee's recommendation to censure him over sexual harassment allegations involving two female staffers.
- The bipartisan Ethics Committee found Edwards engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct but did not find evidence of quid pro quo harassment or violations of federal sexual harassment law.
- Edwards denied any sexual or romantic intent behind his actions and cooperated with the investigation, which noted his behavior included lavish gifts, comments on appearance, and invitations to intimate dinners and vacations.
- The censure recommendation marks a formal disapproval by the House, and Edwards said he will complete his current term but not seek re-election.
- Edwards, who defeated Madison Cawthorn in the 2022 GOP primary, had maintained a low profile in Congress prior to the ethics investigation.
