Ethics panel says Rep. Chuck Edwards harassed female staffers

The House of Representatives’ Ethics Committee released a Monday report recommending that the chamber censure Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., for sexual harassment and fostering a hostile work environment. The committee, chaired by Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss., launched a monthslong investigation into harassment claims against Edwards before concluding that he violated House ethics rules.

The committee said it identified a pattern of inappropriate and unprofessional conduct from Edwards toward two young female staffers. According to the 25-page report, Edwards’ repeated behavior would have led a reasonable observer to interpret his actions as having romantic or sexual intent. It noted that Edwards denied having any such motives.

What kind of conduct did the report describe? Edwards allegedly commented on the female staffers’ appearance and dress and wrote notes of effusive affection for the women, according to the report. The congressman allegedly also invited them to intimate dinners, vacations, and other activities and repeatedly gave both women lavish gifts. The committee noted that Edwards never engaged in sexual activity or made explicit propositions to any employees. The congressman did know that his attention to the two women sparked rumors and innuendo around the office, the report said.

The report characterized both women as being in an untenable position given Edwards’ status as a congressman and their boss. The committee stated that, at minimum, Edwards was blind to reality, and at worst, he was dismissive of how his inappropriate conduct impacted the careers and well-being of two young women. The House lost two staffers over Edwards’ conduct, for which he should be censured, the report concluded. It added that Edwards should be held accountable for poor judgment and unbecoming behavior.

Edwards, representing North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District, has been in office since 2023.

How has Edwards responded? WORLD reached out to Edwards’ office for comment and did not receive an immediate response.