Jimmy Gomez

The House Ethics Committee is investigating Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., over allegations of sexual misconduct, according to three sources familiar with the inquiry, adding another sitting Democrat to a growing list of lawmakers under scrutiny by the bipartisan panel, CNN reported.

The probe began as committee staff reached out to follow up on an April report in the New York Post that alleged Gomez was seen kissing a younger aide, who worked for a different House member, outside a backyard gathering in the summer of 2023.

While pursuing that account, one source told CNN, the panel learned of additional misconduct allegations against the Los Angeles Democrat and expanded its review.

Gomez, who represents a heavily Latino district covering Boyle Heights, Eagle Rock, and downtown Los Angeles, initially denied the Post account through a spokesperson, who called the report "not true."

In a statement issued Tuesday, however, Gomez acknowledged wrongdoing in his personal life.

"Years ago, I made personal mistakes outside my marriage that have caused real pain to my wife and family," he said, adding that his actions were "consensual in nature" and had not violated the law or House ethics rules.

That framing points to the line dividing private conduct from chamber discipline.

The House Code of Official Conduct bars members from sexual relationships with employees under their direct supervision and authorizes the Ethics Committee to investigate suspected violations.

However, the aide identified in the Post report worked for a different lawmaker.

The committee has not publicly specified the additional allegations now under review. Sources described the investigation as in its early stages with no timeline disclosed for findings or referrals.

Gomez said he would "cooperate with any Ethics Committee inquiry and provide it with whatever information it might need."

The Gomez inquiry lands amid a run of misconduct cases that has reshaped Congress in recent months.

Former Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., resigned April 14 after multiple sexual misconduct accusations derailed his California gubernatorial bid, with the Manhattan District Attorney's office reportedly reviewing a rape allegation he denies.

Former Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, resigned the same day after admitting an affair with a staffer.