GOP Leaders Push Chuck Edwards to Quit 2026 Bid After 2-Staffer Ethics Report
Updated
Updated · CNN · Aug 4
GOP Leaders Push Chuck Edwards to Quit 2026 Bid After 2-Staffer Ethics Report
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Aug 4
Summary
House Republican leaders are privately urging Rep. Chuck Edwards to end his reelection campaign in North Carolina after an ethics report found substantial evidence he made unwanted advances toward two female staffers.
The House Ethics Committee took the rare step of recommending a censure vote, which GOP leaders expect could pass in September and further damage Edwards in a seat they fear could flip.
Edwards' campaign said the findings "completely exonerate" him under House sexual-misconduct rules and federal harassment law, while the report said it found no evidence he engaged in sexual activity with the women.
North Carolina's 11th District had already worried Republicans despite Trump's 9.5-point 2024 win there, and Democrat Jamie Ager outraised Edwards by nearly 9-to-1 last quarter.
Party leaders still face procedural questions about replacing Edwards on the ballot this late in the cycle, after he easily won the GOP primary in March.