NC congressman abandons reelection bid after 'much prayer and reflection' following ethics probe

'Persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct'

By Jon Brown, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, August 05, 2026

Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., withdrew his bid for reelection Wednesday after the bipartisan House Ethics Committee recommended his censure following its probe into his alleged behavior with two female staffers in their 20s.

"After much prayer and reflection, I've decided to withdraw from my re-election campaign. I will complete my current term," Edwards, 65, said in a 3:32 a.m. X post. "Serving Western North Carolina has been the honor of my life. Thank you for your trust, prayers, and support. God bless WNC and America."

Edwards, who has represented western North Carolina's mountainous 11th congressional district since 2023, was accused earlier this year of making unwanted advances toward two of his female staffers, prompting a months-long investigation by the House Ethics Committee.

The committee determined in a 25-page report released Monday that "there was substantial reason to believe Representative Edwards violated House Rules related to sexual harassment and hostile workplaces," and that he engaged in "persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct towards two young female staffers."

The report noted that Edwards denied that his behavior was "intended as a sexual or romantic advance" toward the women, including "providing the young women with lavish and recurrent gifts, making comments regarding their appearance and dress, inviting them to intimate dinners and vacations, sending notes regarding his effusive affection, and inviting them to other activities as a way to spend time together."

While the report noted that investigators found no evidence that he "engaged in sexual activity" with the women, Edwards made them feel "uncomfortable," which they reportedly attempted to communicate. The committee claimed the women "were put in an untenable position by virtue of his status as their boss and a Member of Congress."

"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," the report said.

The congressman is the first member of the House of Representatives to receive a formal censure recommendation from the committee since 2010. Edwards cooperated with the investigation, though his lawyers maintained that his behavior did not rise to the level of censure, according to Politico.

Edwards' withdrawal is the latest controversy to afflict North Carolina's 11th congressional district, where Edwards replaced the scandal-plagued former Rep. Madison Cawthorn, R-N.C.

The Gen Z politician's brief tenure in Congress was marked by repeated controversies, including multiple run-ins with the law and accusations that he contributed to inciting the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Cawthorn later condemned the violence at the Capitol, but said he did not regret delivering a speech at the "Stop the Steal" rally that day.