Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) announced early Wednesday that he is abandoning his reelection campaign in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District following a bombshell House Ethics Committee investigation.
“After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to withdraw from my re-election campaign,” Edwards wrote in a brief statement. “I will complete my current term.”
Edwards offered no further explanation in the announcement.
After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to withdraw from my re-election campaign. 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.
— Congressman Chuck Edwards (@RepChuckEdwards) August 5, 2026
The stunning withdrawal came just two days after the bipartisan House Ethics Committee released a report recommending that the full House censure Edwards over what investigators described as “persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct” toward two young female staffers.
According to the committee’s official report, investigators conducted 16 witness interviews and reviewed nearly 1,500 pages of evidence.
According to the report, Edwards provided the young women with lavish and recurrent gifts including jewelry totaling over $1,000, designer purses, guns, shoes, flowers, a KitchenAid mixer, a robotic vacuum, vacations, tickets to performances, and one-on-one dinners.
He also made comments on their appearance, sent personal notes expressing “effusive affection,” invited them to intimate dinners and activities, and engaged in other behavior that a reasonable observer would interpret as romantic or sexual advances.
The committee found no evidence that Edwards engaged in sexual activity with or explicitly propositioned any staffer, and it concluded the allegations did not involve quid pro quo harassment or violate federal sexual harassment law. Both staffers had previously worked for him in the state Senate and later left his congressional office.
Edwards has disputed the committee’s conclusions.
In a lengthy response submitted by his attorneys, Edwards argued that the investigation cleared him of violating federal sexual-harassment law and uncovered no sexual relationship, quid pro quo harassment or explicit proposition. His attorneys accused the committee of relying on vague standards, overlooking exculpatory evidence and denying Edwards the normal opportunity to challenge the allegations through a formal adjudicatory process.
Edwards expressed regret that his behavior may have made the two women uncomfortable but continued to deny any romantic or sexual intent.
Pressure mounted quickly from House GOP leaders and fellow North Carolina Republicans, including reports that Sen. Ted Budd urged him to exit the race, citing concerns it was no longer winnable.
Edwards, a former McDonald’s franchise owner and state senator, defeated then-Rep. Madison Cawthorn in the 2022 Republican primary and has held the western North Carolina seat since 2023.
Former Rep. George Santos blasted Edwards on X, stating:
“[F*ck] you, [you’re] a creep and a predator! You took on @realcawthorn and said awful things about him. Now this is your legacy, you fucking pig! I hope your wife has the fortitude to leave you after this!”
Fuck you, your a creep and a predator! You took on @realcawthorn and said awful things about him. Now this is your legacy, you fucking pig!
I hope your wife has the fortitude to leave you after this!
— George Santos (@Georgesantos) August 5, 2026
The North Carolina 11th District Republican Executive Committee is set to meet next week to select a replacement nominee under state party rules. There will be no new primary.
The post North Carolina Rep. Chuck Edwards WITHDRAWS from Reelection Campaign After House Ethics Committee Recommends Censure Over Inappropriate Conduct with Female Staffers appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
Read the full article here