Chuck Edwards

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) is facing allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment of female staffers and fostering a hostile work environment, according to a complaint reviewed by the House Ethics Committee.

The complaint alleges Chuck Edwards frequently made comments about female staffers’ physical appearance and weight, sent what it described as “deeply romantic” text messages to young staffers, and gave them expensive gifts and paid for personal trips. Those gifts included jewelry and a trip to New York City to see the Broadway musical “Hamilton,” which Edwards allegedly arranged for one staffer following a breakup. It is unclear whether taxpayer money was used to fund the gifts or travel.

The complaint also alleges Edwards skipped congressional votes to visit a female staffer’s home to help her decorate a Christmas tree. One of the alleged victims was 19 years old when the conduct began, according to the complaint.

The House Ethics Committee said it interviewed 16 witnesses familiar with the alleged behavior and reviewed approximately 1,500 pages of evidence. The committee said it did not find that Edwards engaged in sexual activity or explicitly propositioned the women, but determined he violated ethical standards.

The committee is formally requesting Edwards be censured.

Edwards is currently running for re-election in what is described as a close race in his Western North Carolina-based district. He’s facing Democrat Jamie Ager.