Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) said Wednesday morning that he is dropping his 2026 reelection bid [2].
The decision follows a bipartisan House Ethics Committee report that recommended the representative be censured for violating sexual-harassment policies. The withdrawal removes a sitting incumbent from North Carolina's 11th district race amid allegations of workplace misconduct.
The ethics panel released its findings on Monday, Aug. 4, 2026 [1]. According to the report, the committee found that Edwards repeatedly visited a female staffer’s home, gave her unsolicited gifts and attention, and created a hostile work environment [3].
In a statement posted to X, formerly Twitter, Edwards said, "After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to withdraw from my re-election campaign. I will complete my current term" [4].
The investigation focused on conduct that the committee described as violating the spirit of House sexual-harassment policies [3]. Other reports characterized the findings as evidence that Edwards sexually harassed young staffers and engaged in inappropriate conduct [5].
Edwards said he was withdrawing on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026 [2]. He remains in office for the duration of his current term, though the recommendation for censure by the bipartisan committee remains a primary point of contention for his remaining tenure.
The House Ethics Committee is tasked with investigating allegations of misconduct by members of Congress. Censure is a formal statement of disapproval by the House, which typically requires a member to stand in the well of the chamber while the resolution is read aloud.
“"After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to withdraw from my re-election campaign."”
The withdrawal of Rep. Edwards creates an open seat in North Carolina's 11th district, potentially shifting the political landscape for the 2026 midterm elections. Because the Ethics Committee recommended censure—a severe public reprimand—Edwards' departure avoids a high-profile floor vote that would have forced his colleagues to formally condemn his behavior on the record.
