The U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to censure Rep. Chuck Edwards, a Republican from North Carolina, following a months-long ethics investigation that found he engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct toward two young female staffers. The vote was 413-2, with only Edwards and Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina voting against the measure.
What the Censure Means
A censure is a formal rebuke that does not remove Edwards from office. After the vote, Edwards was required to stand in the well of the House chamber as Speaker Mike Johnson read the resolution aloud. Edwards, who is in his second term, had previously ended his re-election campaign after the Ethics Committee recommended censure. GOP state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom was selected to replace him on the November ballot.
Ethics Committee Findings
The bipartisan House Ethics Committee released a 25-page report detailing multiple incidents of what it called poor judgment and unbecoming conduct. The committee found that Edwards, who is married, provided two young female staffers with lavish gifts, including jewelry, designer purses, handguns, and tickets to the musical “Hamilton.” He also frequently commented on their appearance, invited them to intimate dinners and vacations, and sent notes expressing effusive affection.
Specific Incidents
One incident involved Edwards going to the home of a staffer, referred to as Staffer 2, to help decorate her Christmas tree, skipping votes that day. He also wrote poems for her, one of which he read at her going-away party while crying, which made other staffers uncomfortable. In another case, Edwards took Staffer 1 on a political trip to New York City, extending the stay for his birthday with a helicopter ride, dinner, and a Broadway show. He also sent approximately 30 different types of ice cream to Staffer 2’s home, to which she texted, “Thank you, but this seems a bit excessive.”
Edwards’ Defense
Edwards has strongly rejected the committee’s findings. In a 22-page letter to colleagues, he argued that his actions were not sexual misconduct, stating, “An affectionate friendship is not a sexual proposition. A gift is not sexual misconduct. A compliment is not sexual misconduct. Poetry is not sexual misconduct.” He noted that the committee found no evidence of sexual activity or explicit propositions and that the allegations did not implicate quid pro quo sexual harassment.
However, the committee, led by Chairman Michael Guest and ranking member Mark DeSaulnier, said Edwards’ behavior violated the House Code of Official Conduct by failing to adhere to the spirit of rules barring sexual harassment and unwanted advances. The report stated that Edwards was “at minimum blind to that reality, and at worst, dismissive of the impact his inappropriate conduct had on the careers and wellbeing of two women on his staff.”
Edwards’ Apology
Before the vote, Edwards apologized to his wife, family, and the two staffers, saying, “I’m sorry that my actions, my judgment or the way that I expressed a friendship ever put either of you in an uncomfortable position.” He added, “Regret is not an admission of sexual harassment,” while acknowledging poor judgment and expressing regret for any discomfort caused.