IIn a 3:30 a.m. post on X Wednesday, Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) announced he is withdrawing from his re-election race in the wake of a House Ethics Committee recommendation to censure him over allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct toward two female staffers.
Sources confirmed that top leaders pushed for Edwards to drop out.
"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," Edwards posted.
The bipartisan Ethics Committee found substantial reason to believe Edwards violated House rules on sexual harassment and workplace conduct calling for him to be formally censured. His team disputed that framing, saying the committee found no evidence of sexual misconduct, no quid pro quo and no negative employment consequences for either staffer.
The Ethics release detailed gifts Edwards gave two female staffers over time including personalized firearms, jewelry, handbags, electronics, small appliances, trips and repeated dinners.
One staffer received a custom jigsaw puzzle of actor Adam Sandler along with an invitation to see him perform live. Edwards also hired a singer to perform a staffer's favorite songs at her birthday, had flowers sent to a hotel room during a Las Vegas trip after she had already departed.
Thirty different types of ice cream were delivered to a staffer's home, according to the reports findings. When she texted back that it seemed "a bit excessive," Edwards replied "You looked like you needed a lot of cheering up! My heart was breaking seeing you like that."
The photo of the ice cream she sent him was later deleted from his phone. The committee further noted that Edwards skipped floor votes to help a staffer decorate for the holidays and that relevant messages had been removed from his phone.
The scandal was first reported by congressional reporter Kate Santaliz. Edwards denied wrongdoing throughout. He will serve out the remainder of his term and the North Carolina seat will be an open race in November.
