The House Ethics Committee has found substantial evidence that Rep. Chuck Edwards of North Carolina engaged in a pattern of inappropriate behavior toward two young female staffers, recommending the full House vote to censure him—the first such recommendation since 2010.

Lavish Gifts and Deleted Messages

The bipartisan committee’s 25-page report details how Edwards, 65, showered the women with expensive presents including jewelry worth over $1,000, designer purses, firearms, concert tickets, vacations, and high-end appliances. The congressman arranged elaborate gestures like helicopter rides over New York City, Broadway shows, and birthday serenades described as coming from “a special someone.” Both women started working for Edwards when he served in the North Carolina state senate and continued employment after his election to Congress.

Investigators determined Edwards intentionally deleted text messages to the staffers that were “particularly inappropriate,” a finding the committee called central to their investigation. The women, one still in college when hired and another in her early twenties, told investigators they attempted to communicate discomfort but felt trapped given Edwards’ position as their boss and a member of Congress. One staffer texted a friend after the birthday serenade saying she was “scared lowkey” and didn’t believe Edwards viewed her as “just a daughter figure.”

Congressman Denies Sexual Intent

Edwards denied his behavior constituted sexual or romantic advances, characterizing the relationships as professional boss-subordinate connections and friendships. The committee found no evidence of sexual activity between Edwards and the women. His campaign spokesperson, Paul Shumaker, claimed the findings “completely exonerate” the congressman under House rules governing sexual misconduct and that Edwards did not violate federal sexual harassment law. The spokesman added that Edwards looks forward to having his name cleared through further review of the process.

Unprecedented Punishment Recommended

A censure represents one of the House’s most severe disciplinary actions, though it does not remove a member from office or carry explicit penalties beyond public admonition. The Ethics Committee concluded that Edwards “engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct” and created violations related to sexual harassment and hostile workplaces under House rules. The report noted Edwards has not acknowledged or taken responsibility for the harm caused to the women. Edwards is currently running for reelection in North Carolina’s 11th congressional district as this ethics matter moves toward a full House vote.