Washington — On Tuesday, the House voted to censure Representative Chuck Edwards following an investigation by the House Ethics Committee. The committee’s findings indicated that the North Carolina Republican had engaged in “persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct” towards two young women who were previously employed by him.
The censure was approved with a significant majority, receiving a vote of 413 to 2, as Edwards stood in the chamber while the resolution condemning his behavior was read. This action required only a simple majority to pass.
In early August, the bipartisan Ethics Committee published a report that detailed Edwards’ interactions with the two women, who worked for him during his tenure as a state senator before transitioning to his congressional role. Although the investigation found no evidence of sexual relations or explicit propositions, it concluded that his conduct fostered “rumors and innuendo” and breached House regulations concerning sexual harassment and workplace toxicity.
House guidelines prohibit lawmakers from engaging in sexual relationships with their subordinates and from making “unwelcome sexual advances or conduct” towards employees of the House.
The report highlighted that both women expressed discomfort regarding Edwards’ behavior, which was complicated by his position of authority over them as their employer and a Member of Congress. It stated, “Representative Edwards was at minimum blind to that reality, and at worst, dismissive of the impact his inappropriate conduct had on the careers and wellbeing of two women on his staff.”
Before the vote, Edwards addressed the House, acknowledging his “poor judgment” but contending that his regret did not equate to an admission of sexual harassment. He extended apologies to the women involved and to his wife.
“I want to say something directly and publicly to the two women who have been at the center of all of this. I am sorry. I’m sorry that my actions, my judgment or the way that I expressed a friendship ever put either of you in an uncomfortable position,” he expressed. “My intentions were solely based on what I perceived our friendship to be, along with genuine admiration and respect for each of you as both professionals and individuals.”
The report detailed that Edwards showered the women with extravagant gifts, which included jewelry, designer handbags, firearms, flowers, a KitchenAid mixer, and a robotic vacuum, among other items. Additionally, he made comments about their appearances, invited them to private dinners and vacations, and sent notes expressing “effusive affection.”
Specific instances of his behavior included hiring a singer to perform at one woman’s birthday party and singing Ed Sheeran’s “Hills of Aberfeldy,” stating it was “from a special someone.” He also wrote poems for her, including one read at her farewell gathering in front of her colleagues. Furthermore, Edwards arranged and paid for massages and spa treatments for her, missed House votes to decorate her Christmas tree, and accompanied her on a casino trip, covering her drinks and gambling expenses.
Another woman was taken on political trips where Edwards planned personal activities, including a helicopter ride, dinner, and a Broadway show. He presented her with flowers before picking her up for a White House holiday event. The report also indicated that he left early from an event, later explaining to her that he did so because she had brought a date. The committee noted that he stated he did not want to be “in the way or something to that effect.”
The committee characterized Edwards’ conduct as “at minimum inappropriate.”
“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 personal and seemingly romantic thoughts, intrude on personal occasions without invitation, pay for personal vacations, and spend thousands of dollars on gifts for staffers,” the report stated.
In his interview with the committee, Edwards maintained that he understood what constituted “sexual harassment” and believed that by avoiding inappropriate physical contact and making occasional comments about boundaries, he was shielded from such allegations. The report countered this, asserting that while he did not make explicit propositions, a reasonable individual might interpret his intimate and affectionate behavior as subtly suggestive.
The report suggested that Edwards “knew or had reason to know” as early as May 2025 that his conduct was making the women uncomfortable, particularly after a senior staff member communicated their concerns on their behalf.
Despite his claims that the committee’s findings “completely exonerate” him according to House rules, Edwards chose to withdraw his candidacy for reelection shortly after the investigation concluded.
In a letter to his colleagues last week, Edwards made a final attempt to defend himself against censure, arguing that the evidence did not substantiate the committee’s conclusions and suggested that the women reciprocated his behavior.
“An affectionate friendship is not a sexual proposition. A gift is not sexual misconduct. A compliment is not sexual misconduct. Poetry is not sexual misconduct. Socializing with a colleague is not sexual misconduct. Caring deeply about someone with whom you have worked and come to know for years is not sexual misconduct,” he stated in the letter, which was obtained by CBS News.
Edwards explained that he felt compelled to send the letter so that his colleagues could hear directly from him and evaluate the facts themselves.
