Rep. Chuck Edwards ends reelection bid following allegations, House Ethics Commiteee censure

The decision comes after the House Ethics Committee found Monday that Edwards violated the “spirit” of the chamber’s rules against sexual harassment by engaging in inappropriate conduct with young staffers.

Published: August 5, 2026 7:26am

Rep. Chuck Edwards suspended his campaign for reelection Wednesday morning. 

The decision comes after the House Ethics Committee found Monday that Edwards violated the “spirit” of the chamber’s rules against sexual harassment by engaging in inappropriate conduct with young staffers. The committee recommended he face formal censure.

“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 said in a post on X.

Edwards was running for reelection in North Carolina's 11 Congressional District, which is one of two competitive races in the state and considered key to both parties' bid for a majority in Congress, NOTUS reported

 

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