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Republican Representative Chuck Edwards withdraws from reelection campaign following House Ethics Committee recommendation for censure.

Republican Representative Chuck Edwards of North Carolina has withdrawn from his reelection campaign for the 11th district. The decision follows a recommendation from the House Ethics Committee to censure the congressman, marking the first time the panel has suggested such a punishment since 2010. The committee found substantial evidence that Chuck Edwards repeatedly made unwanted advances toward two female staffers, including sending personal texts late in the evening and purchasing lavish gifts such as jewelry, designer purses, and vacations. While Chuck Edwards denied that his behavior was intended as a romantic advance and stated he did not engage in sexual activity with the women, the committee noted he intentionally deleted some of the most inappropriate messages. Campaign spokesperson Paul Shumaker stated that the findings exonerate Chuck Edwards under House rules governing sexual misconduct. However, the committee concluded that his persistent unprofessional conduct was beyond inappropriate for a member of Congress.

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