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🇺🇸 United States /Elections & Politics

Rep. Chuck Edwards Withdraws Reelection Bid Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

From CBS News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards of North Carolina has withdrawn from his reelection campaign for a third term.
  • The decision follows a recommendation from the House Ethics Committee to censure him over sexual harassment allegations.
  • Edwards will complete his current term, while the district faces a competitive race with a Democratic challenger.

Republican Representative Chuck Edwards of North Carolina announced early Wednesday, August 5, 2026, that he is dropping his bid for a third term in Congress. This decision comes just days after the House Ethics Committee recommended he be censured, citing "substantial reason to believe" he violated House rules concerning sexual harassment and hostile work environments.

"After much prayer and reflection, I've decided to withdraw from my re-election campaign," Edwards stated on social media. "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."

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.

— Rep. Chuck EdwardsAnnouncing his withdrawal from the reelection campaign on social media.

The House Ethics Committee's report detailed that 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 committee found that Edwards engaged in "persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct towards two young female staffers." However, the report also noted Edwards' denial of any wrongdoing.

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. It said it found that Edwards engaged in "persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct towards two young female staffers."

— House Ethics CommitteeDetailing the findings in their report recommending censure.

A statement released on behalf of Edwards' campaign asserted that the findings "completely exonerate Representative Edwards under the House rules governing sexual misconduct or harassment." The statement further elaborated that the committee concluded he did not engage in sexual activity, explicitly proposition staff, or violate federal sexual harassment law, and expressed his anticipation of being cleared.

Edwards, first elected in 2022, had previously unseated former Rep. Madison Cawthorn. The district, which has not elected a Democrat since 2010, now features Democratic candidate Jamie Ager on the ballot. Democrats reportedly believe the district could become competitive this election cycle.

They concluded that he neither engaged in sexual activity with nor explicitly propositioned any individual staff member. They concluded that the allegations in this matter do not implicate quid pro quo sexual harassment. They concluded he did not violate federal sexual harassment law.

— Statement on behalf of the Edwards campaignAsserting that the Ethics Committee findings exonerate Representative Edwards under House rules.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CBS News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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