Rep. Chuck Edwards ends reelection drive after ethics probe

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., on Wednesday dropped his reelection campaign, saying that the decision came after much prayer and reflection. He did not mention that, days earlier, the House Ethics Committee recommended that the chamber censure him. Edwards said he would complete his current term. He thanked supporters and said it was an honor to serve western North Carolina.

Edwards, who represents North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District, has held office since 2023. The Ethics Committee recommended his censure after a monthslong probe into his conduct toward two young female staffers. The committee noted that Edwards never engaged in sexual activity or made explicit propositions to any employees. But he had given the two staffers expensive gifts and invited them to “intimate dinners and vacations,” according to the committee report. Both staffers eventually left his office due to his behavior, the report said. The committee stated that he repeatedly displayed inappropriate and unprofessional conduct, and that his behavior would’ve caused a reasonable observer to assume romantic or sexual intent.

Edwards denied such motives, but was apparently aware that his conduct sparked rumors and innuendo, the committee said.

How does his withdrawal change the race? GOP officials from counties in the congressional district will need to vote on a replacement candidate for Edwards. The new candidate will face off with Democrat Jamie Ager, Libertarian Travis Groo, and Independent John Rogers in November.

Dig deeper: Read Christina Grube’s report on the Ethics Committee’s findings for more details.