The House Ethics Committee has opened a formal review of Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) over allegations he may have engaged in sexual misconduct with a House staffer. The Committee cited Rules 7 and 18(a) and said the review could involve clause 18(b) of the Code of Official Conduct. Media reports say the probe began after a New York Post story about a 2023 kiss and expanded as additional claims emerged. Gomez acknowledged "personal mistakes outside my marriage" but maintained his actions were consensual and lawful.
House Ethics Committee Opens Formal Review of Rep. Jimmy Gomez Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations
(Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via AP Images)
The House Ethics Committee announced Monday that it has opened a formal review into Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) over allegations that he may have engaged in sexual misconduct with a House staffer.
In a brief statement issued under Committee Rule 7, the panel said the Chairman and Ranking Member determined — pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a) — to disclose that the Committee is reviewing whether Representative Gomez may have violated the Code of Official Conduct or other applicable standards. The review specifically cites potential inappropriate sexual contact in possible violation of clause 18(b) of the Code.
The Committee emphasized that the existence of a review and its public disclosure do not themselves indicate that any violation has occurred, and it said no further public comment will be made except as permitted by Committee rules.
Background
According to media reports, the probe began after the Committee reviewed an April New York Post story alleging that Gomez kissed a younger congressional aide in 2023. CNN later reported that while examining that allegation the panel became aware of additional claims and opened a broader review.
Gomez has acknowledged what he called "personal mistakes outside my marriage" but said his conduct was consensual and did not violate the law or House ethics rules.
Context Within Other Ethics Reviews
This inquiry adds Gomez to a list of current and former members scrutinized by the Ethics Committee this year. The panel previously investigated former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) over separate allegations involving an employee under his supervision. The Committee also investigated Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) regarding conduct toward young female staffers and found substantial reason to believe he violated rules on sexual harassment and hostile workplaces, recommending censure.
Other ongoing matters before the Committee include investigations involving Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL), Rep. Max Miller (R-OH), and Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX), covering a range of allegations that the Committee has not fully disclosed publicly.
Note: The Ethics Committee has said it will limit public statements to those required or permitted under its rules while the review proceeds.
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