Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) has announced his decision to step down from his reelection campaign following a recommendation for censure by the House Ethics Committee due to alleged misconduct involving two female staff members.
Edwards, who has served North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District since 2023, confirmed via a social media post that he would not seek another term. He stated, “After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to withdraw from my re-election campaign. I will complete my current term. Serving Western North Carolina has been the honor of my life. Thank you for your trust, prayers, and support. God bless WNC and America.”
The task of selecting a replacement candidate for the upcoming election will fall to the 11th District Republican Executive Committee, as outlined by state law. The North Carolina Republican Party has announced that the committee will convene next week to determine who will fill the vacancy left by Edwards.
State party chairman Jason Simmons emphasized the importance of the upcoming decision, saying, “The people of Western North Carolina deserve a strong conservative voice on the ballot this November, and our Party is prepared to move through this process quickly and efficiently.” He added that the committee aims to nominate a candidate committed to “lower taxes, secure our border, strengthen our economy, and stand up for the values of the people of the 11th District.”
The selected Republican candidate will compete against Democratic nominee Jamie Ager in what experts anticipate to be a closely contested race, as reported by analysts in the upcoming midterm elections.
Ager expressed his views on the political climate, stating, “For too long, we’ve been forgotten by politicians who sell us a false bill of goods, then go to Congress to treat D.C. as their personal playground while we get left behind.” He also extended his sympathies to the involved staffers, saying, “My heart goes out to the young women who took these roles to serve our community.”
Findings from the House Ethics Committee indicate that Edwards exhibited “persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct” towards the staffers, which included giving them lavish gifts and inviting them to personal events. Additionally, he was reported to have skipped official duties to spend time with them.
Edwards’ campaign countered these findings, suggesting that the report had “exonerated” him, and expressed his anticipation for clearing his name. His attorneys disputed the committee’s conclusions in a detailed response.
Pressure intensified as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) indicated in a statement to Politico that he would discuss Edwards’ future plans, noting the “serious allegations” made by the committee.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has demanded Edwards’ immediate resignation, asserting that his decision to complete his term is “not for North Carolina’s working families” but rather to protect the Republican majority.
This article is subject to updates as more information becomes available.
