By The Washington Times (Politics) | Created at 2026-08-05 12:06:27 | Updated at 2026-08-05 16:03:19
4 hours ago
Rep. Chuck Edwards announced on social media early Wednesday morning that he will not seek reelection, days after the House Ethics Committee recommended he be censured following its investigation into his behavior toward two former staffers.
In a post on X, the North Carolina Republican said he would end his reelection campaign but would finish the remainder of his current term in Congress.
“After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to withdraw from my re-election campaign,” Mr. Edwards said on X.
“I will complete my current term. Serving Western North Carolina has been the honor of my life. Thank you for your trust, prayers, and support. God bless WNC and America.”
The 20-page report listed the nature of Mr. Edwards’ conduct toward the young female staffers, including making remarks about their appearance and weight, such as calling them “pretty” and “breathtaking.”
The report also noted that he bought the expensive gifts for the staffers, including jewelry priced at over $1,000, designer purses, guns, vacations, electronics and spa treatments — with one of the staffers feeling “obligated” to wear items he gave her.
Personal outings with the staffers after they left his office for other jobs also became a problem, with one staffer saying she felt forced to meet up with him for a trip to Las Vegas, fearing if she did not, he could hurt her career.
The report also said Mr. Edwards did not produce, or apparently deleted, over 400 relevant text messages, and the panel of five Republicans and five Democrats found his explanations not fully credible.
Mr. Edwards’ lawyers issued a 15-page rebuttal in which they called the report a “vindication” based on its conclusion that the congressman didn’t proposition anyone or engage in any sexual conduct. It also called censure an “extraordinarily harsh and infrequent punishment” inappropriate for a case “not based on a direct violation of House rules addressing sexual misconduct.”
Mr. Edwards has represented North Carolina’s Republican-leaning 11th District since 2023, after defeating Rep. Madison Cawthorn in 2022.
