The House Ethics Committee opened an inquiry into Rep. Chuck Edwards after Axios reported that his interactions with at least two female staffers in their 20s "crossed professional boundaries," creating an uncomfortable work environment. One staffer reportedly told colleagues she felt uneasy and later traveled with Edwards to Las Vegas after leaving his office. Axios obtained an alleged handwritten note from Edwards praising the woman; she declined to be interviewed. Edwards said he welcomes the investigation and suggested political motives behind the accusations.
House Ethics Committee Opens Probe Into Rep. Chuck Edwards Over Conduct Toward Young Female Staffers, Axios Reports
The House Ethics Committee has opened an inquiry into Representative Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) after Axios reported concerns about his interactions with young female staffers, the outlet said Monday night.
Allegations And Details
Sources who spoke to Axios reporter Kate Santaliz told the outlet that Edwards' conduct toward at least two staffers in their 20s "crossed professional boundaries and created an uncomfortable work environment." One staffer reportedly told colleagues on multiple occasions that the congressman made her uneasy. Axios also reported that the same staffer later traveled to Las Vegas with Edwards after leaving his office.
Axios obtained a handwritten note Edwards allegedly wrote to one of the women. In it he called her an "amazing woman" and wrote:
"Your kindness, encouragement, and light-heartedness have written a complex chapter in my heart that I will never stop reading."
The woman, who was not identified by Axios, declined the outlet's request for an interview.
Response And Context
Edwards, who has been married to his wife Teresa since 1980, said he "welcomes any investigation, given the professionalism my staff has demonstrated and my commitment to serving the people of Western NC," and suggested that political opponents might try to "raise false accusations in order to create news stories." His office did not respond to Axios' requests for comment about the newly reported details.
Edwards represents North Carolina's 11th District. He was elected in November 2022 after defeating Madison Cawthorn in the Republican primary and filed for reelection last year.
The House Ethics Committee has recently investigated other current and former members of Congress, including Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), Cory Mills (R-Fla.) and Nancy Mace (R-S.C.).
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