ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards has ended his reelection campaign, days after the House Ethics Committee recommended that he be censured over what the panel found was inappropriate conduct toward two congressional staffers.
“After much prayer, thoughtful reflection, and many conversations with my family, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from my re-election campaign,” Edwards said in a statement posted Wednesday. “I will complete my current term.”
Edwards, a Republican who represents North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District, did not directly address the Ethics Committee’s findings in his statement.
The House Ethics Committee voted Monday to recommend that the full House censure Edwards following an investigation into allegations involving two female staffers.
The bipartisan committee said it found substantial evidence that Edwards engaged in conduct that violated House rules related to sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct.
According to the committee’s report, Edwards repeatedly gave the staffers gifts, commented on their appearance and clothing, invited them to dinners and vacations and sent notes expressing affection.
The committee said the staffers were uncomfortable with Edwards’ conduct and attempted to communicate that to him. The panel said their position was complicated by the fact that Edwards was their employer and a member of Congress.
Edwards denied that his conduct was intended as a sexual or romantic advance, according to the committee’s report. The panel said it found no evidence that Edwards explicitly propositioned either staffer or engaged in sexual activity with them.
The committee nevertheless concluded that his conduct could reasonably have been interpreted as sexual or romantic.
The committee also said Edwards cooperated with its investigation and acknowledged that at least some of his behavior could be viewed as inappropriate. But the panel said he had not fully acknowledged or taken responsibility for the harm his conduct caused.
Censure is a formal expression of the House’s disapproval. It does not remove Edwards from office or prevent him from completing his current term. The full House would have to vote on the recommendation.
The ethics investigation became public in May, when the committee announced it was examining allegations involving Edwards’ treatment of the two staffers.
At the time, Edwards said he welcomed the investigation and would cooperate.
“I am confident the investigation will expose the facts, not politically motivated fiction,” Edwards said at the time.
What Edwards’ withdrawal means for the 2026 race
Edwards’ withdrawal leaves Republicans facing a change in their nominee for the 11th District race. Edwards had already won the Republican primary while seeking a third term.
The congressman also recently sold his six McDonald’s restaurants in Western North Carolina. Edwards and his wife, Teresa, sold the restaurants to longtime family friends in July. Edwards said the sale would allow them to devote more attention to public service.
Edwards built his career in the McDonald’s business before entering politics.
In his statement Wednesday, Edwards thanked his wife, supporters, volunteers and constituents.
“Serving the people of Western North Carolina has been the greatest honor of my professional life,” Edwards said. “I ran for Congress with one purpose: to serve this nation, defend our Constitution, and fight for the common people living in these mountains.”
Edwards also praised his congressional staff, including Chief of Staff Toby Douthat and District Director Chris Burns, for helping constituents navigate federal agencies, assisting veterans, supporting communities recovering from disasters and working on legislation.
“While my campaign is ending, my love for the people of Western North Carolina and my faith in America’s future remain as strong as ever,” Edwards said.