Chuck Edwards of North Carolina Will Not Seek Re-election After Ethics Panel Found He Fostered a Hostile Work Environment

Representative Chuck Edwards, Republican of North Carolina, announced early Wednesday that he was dropping his re-election bid, hours after the House Ethics Committee recommended he be censured for “persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct” toward two female staff members. “After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to withdraw from my re-election campaign, Mr. Edwards wrote on social media at 3:32 a.m. “I will complete my current term. The ethics committee report detailed how Mr. Edwards made comments” about the women’s appearance and dress, gave them lavish and recurrent gifts, invited them to intimate dinners and vacations” and sent notes about his effusive affection.

The report found no evidence of sexual activity or explicitly propositioned behavior, but both women were made uncomfortable with his behavior. Mr. Edwards is among several House Republicans embroiled in scandal. In Florida, Representative Cory Mills was investigated by police in Washington, D.C., over an assault report; his former girlfriend was granted a protective order against him, and he has denied wrongdoing.