MAN ARRESTED AT TRUMP GOLF CLUB ALLEGEDLY PHOTOGRAPHED SECURITY PREPARATIONS BEFORE PRESIDENT’S VISIT, AUTHORITIES SAY. (PHOTO).
Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards of North Carolina announced Wednesday that he is ending his reelection campaign, days after the House Ethics Committee said it found “substantial evidence” that he violated House rules involving sexual harassment and a hostile workplace.
Edwards said he will complete his current term in Congress but will not seek another term representing North Carolina’s 11th District. He said serving Western North Carolina has been the honor of his life and thanked supporters for their trust.
Edwards, who has served in the House since 2023, was expected to face Democratic nominee Jamie Ager in the November general election.
The decision came after the House Ethics Committee investigated allegations that Edwards engaged in inappropriate conduct toward two young female staff members. The committee recommended that the full House formally censure him when lawmakers return from their August recess.
The committee said its investigation found Edwards engaged in repeated unprofessional behavior, including giving staff members expensive gifts, making comments about their appearance and clothing, inviting them to private dinners and vacations, sending affectionate messages and seeking opportunities to spend personal time with them.
Investigators said they found no evidence that Edwards had sexual contact with employees or explicitly propositioned anyone who worked for him.
Edwards has denied the allegations and his campaign previously argued that the committee’s findings cleared him of sexual misconduct claims. His campaign said the committee’s conclusions showed he did not engage in sexual activity with staff members, did not commit quid pro quo harassment and did not violate federal sexual harassment laws.
The campaign also accused the committee of creating its own standards beyond existing House rules and said Edwards intended to fight to clear his name.
Edwards serves on the House Appropriations and Budget committees.
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