House Censures Rep. Chuck Edwards for Inappropriate Conduct Toward Female Staffers

On September 1 2026, the House voted 413-2 to censure Rep. Chuck Edwards, Republican of North Carolina’s 11th District. The resolution required Edwards to stand in the chamber while Speaker Mike Johnson read the censure aloud. Only Edwards and Rep. Ralph Norman voted against it.

The Assembly NCHouse censures North Carolina Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards Ethics scandal rocks Congress: House censures Republican Chuck Edwards following allegations of inappropriate conduct with female staff members Washington ExaminerNBC NewsNew York PostNew York Times

The bipartisan House Ethics Committee investigation, launched in early 2024, issued a 25-page report on July 22 2026. Chaired by Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS) with Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) as ranking member, the probe examined allegations that Edwards engaged in “persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct” toward two former North Carolina Senate staffers. The inquiry interviewed 16 witnesses and reviewed roughly 1,500 pages of documents.

UsNews and World Report

• Vote tally: 413 in favor, 2 against.

Politico

• Findings: Edwards gave the staffers gifts exceeding $1,000, including jewelry, designer purses, firearms, shoes, flowers, a laptop, a cell phone, a KitchenAid mixer, and vacation trips.

New York Post

• Key dates:

New York Post

• July 22 2026 – Ethics report recommends censure.

House Moves Toward Floor Vote on Censure of Rep. Edwards

• August 2 2026 – H.Res. 1498 introduced.

WXLV - Winston-Salem

• September 1 2026 – House votes to censure.

House censures North Carolina Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards

Rep. Michael Guest said the conduct created a hostile work environment, noting that “while Representative Edwards denies that his conduct was intended to be sexual or romantic, his pattern of behavior would lead a reasonable person to interpret it as such.”

Associated Press

Rep. Mark DeSaulnier added, “Neither individual felt free to reject Rep. Edwards’ attention without fear of professional consequences.”

UsNews and World Report

Speaker Mike Johnson led the chamber in reading the resolution.

The Assembly NC

“I am imperfect. I have made mistakes, but I do not believe I committed sexual harassment,” Edwards said.

USA Today

Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) argued that Edwards “did not understand the gravity of his actions, showed no remorse, and exemplifies why sexual-misconduct reform is critical.”

Politico

Democratic Rep.

Politico

The committee found no evidence of sexual activity or explicit propositions, while Edwards maintains the gifts and notes reflected a reciprocal friendship. The staffers did not file formal complaints, and Edwards’ letter claims the committee omitted evidence of similar gift-giving to other staff. This disagreement forms the core factual dispute.

NBC News

• “I am imperfect. I have made mistakes, but I do not believe I committed sexual harassment,” — Rep. Chuck Edwards

UsNews and World Report

• “While Representative Edwards denies that his conduct was intended to be sexual or romantic, his pattern of behavior would lead a reasonable person to interpret it as such,” — Rep. Michael Guest

UsNews and World Report

• “Neither individual felt free to reject Rep. Edwards’ attention without fear of professional consequences,” — Rep. Mark DeSaulnier

Politico

The censure becomes part of Edwards’ permanent congressional record but does not remove him from office or strip committee assignments. Lawmakers plan to introduce legislation clarifying standards for member-staff interactions in the coming weeks.

Newsweek