Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., was censured by the House on September 1, 2026, following a months-long ethics investigation that concluded he engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct towards two female staffers. The censure vote passed overwhelmingly with 413 votes in favor and only two against, including Edwards himself and Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C. While the censure serves as a formal rebuke, it does not remove Edwards from office. After the vote, Edwards stood in the House chamber as Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., read the censure resolution aloud.
Edwards, 65, rejected the findings of the House Ethics Committee, which recommended the censure after detailing multiple incidents of inappropriate behavior, including providing high-value gifts such as jewelry, designer purses, and tickets to events, as well as making comments about the staffers' appearances. The committee's 25-page report noted that Edwards had invited the staffers to intimate dinners and vacations and had sent notes expressing affection.
One incident involved Edwards visiting the home of one staffer to help decorate her Christmas tree, during which he skipped votes. He also read a poem he wrote for her at her going-away party, which made other staffers uncomfortable. The committee found no evidence of sexual activity or explicit propositions but stated that Edwards was either unaware or dismissive of the impact of his conduct on the staffers' careers and well-being.
In a 22-page letter to colleagues, Edwards defended his actions, stating that affectionate gestures and gifts should not be construed as sexual misconduct. He emphasized that the Ethics Committee did not find evidence of sexual harassment or violations of federal law. However, the bipartisan panel concluded that his behavior violated the House Code of Official Conduct by not adhering to the spirit of rules against sexual harassment.
Edwards also described his long-standing relationships with the staffers and mentioned that he had given gifts to other staffers as well. During his speech on the House floor, he apologized to his family and the two staffers, expressing regret for any discomfort caused but maintaining that his actions did not amount to sexual harassment.