Republican Representative Chuck Edwards has announced he will not seek re-election to his competitive US House seat in North Carolina’s 11th congressional district. The Representative from Western North Carolina is withdrawing from his re-election campaign a day after the House Ethics Committee recommended he be censured.
The Ethics Committee stated there is substantial reason to believe Edwards violated House rules related to sexual harassment and hostile workplaces. A detailed report cited persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct toward two young female staffers in his office. The panel found that Edwards fostered a hostile work environment and engaged in sexual harassment by giving gifts and lavishing attention on the aides.
While Edwards has denied any wrongdoing, he stated he will complete his current term, which is due to end in January.