NC Rep. Chuck Edwards drops reelection bid after ethics investigation

North Carolina Rep. Chuck Edwards announced that he is no longer seeking reelection after a House Ethics Committee report concluded that his workplace conduct was concerning and recommended him for censure. 

"After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to withdraw from my re-election campaign," the Republican legislator said in a 3:32 a.m. Aug. 5 post on X. He added that he would finish the rest of his term and that it "has been the honor of his life" to represent Western North Carolina. 

Minutes later, he posted a longer explanation on Facebook, adding that his "decision has not come easily," and he went on to thank his office staff – "dedicated men and women working long hours behind the scenes to serve our constituents." 

Edwards’ seat is challenged on the Democratic side by fourth-generation farmer Jamie Ager, and now the North Carolina 11th District Republican Executive Committee will have to choose a candidate to replace Edwards.  

The Cook Political Report rates the seat in the 11th District of North Carolina leaning “likely” Republican, as the midterm battle for Republicans to maintain their slim majority in the House of Representatives inches closer. 

The Republican district committee chair, Merry Guy, posted in the Republican district Facebook group thanking Edwards "for his years of public service and dedication to the state," but she did not offer any guidance on the committee's next steps. 

USA TODAY reached out to the committee but has not received a response. 

The ethics report on Edwards, released on Aug. 3, stated that he "engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct towards two young female staffers." The report outlined specific details, including that he spoke to female staffers about strip club visits and "went beyond norms of professional behavior" by purchasing female staffers jewelry, designer purses, guns and one-on-one dinners. 

"This Report should not only hold Representative Edwards accountable for his poor judgment and unbecoming conduct," the panel wrote, "but also serve as a caution to all Members that sexual harassment and discrimination will not be tolerated in the House." 

Edwards has disputed the panel's findings and denies any impropriety in his intraoffice relationships. None of the relevant staffers filed a formal complaint against him, and his lawyers say the committee bypassed typical procedures that would’ve allowed him to challenge certain evidence.

Contributed: Zach Schermele