House Ethics Probes Rep. Edwards on Harassment Claims

The House Ethics Committee has launched an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against Representative Chuck Edwards, a Republican from North Carolina's 11th Congressional District, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The probe began after the committee was recently contacted by a witness who reported observing improper behavior by Edwards, the sources said. Committee Chair Michael Guest, a Republican from Mississippi, and Ranking Member Mark DeSaulnier, a Democrat from California, authorized staff to pursue the matter. Details of the alleged misconduct remain unclear, and the committee has not confirmed whether it has corroborated the claims. The panel declined to comment.

Edwards, who defeated former Representative Madison Cawthorn in the 2022 Republican primary and filed for reelection last year, welcomed the scrutiny in a statement. "I welcome any investigation, given the professionalism my staff has demonstrated and my commitment to serving the people of Western NC," he said. "Given the current political environment we are facing in our nation, it comes as no surprise that others with their own political agendas will attempt to raise false...