Rep. Chuck Edwards drops re-election bid after censure recommendation over harassment claims

Rep. Chuck Edwards is withdrawing from his re-election campaign in Western North Carolina.

WASHINGTON — Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., said Wednesday he is dropping his bid for re-election, days after the House Ethics Committee recommended he be censured over sexual harassment allegations.

“After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to withdraw from my re-election campaign. I will complete my current term,” Edwards announced in a post on X. “Serving Western North Carolina has been the honor of my life. Thank you for your trust, prayers, and support.”

Edwards, 65, had faced mounting pressure over his conduct with two female staffers in his office. He has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

On Monday, the Ethics panel said it was recommending that the full House censure Edwards after it found that he “engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct towards two young female staffers.” A censure is a formal disapproval by the House.

“The Committee found that Representative Edwards violated the House Code of Official Conduct by failing to adhere to the spirit of rules prohibiting sexual harassment of and unwanted advances to House staffers,” the Ethics Committee said in its 25-page report following a monthslong investigation into allegations against him.