An ethics investigation in Congress is examining allegations involving lawmakers from North Carolina and former staff members. This comes amid a wave of inquiries and resignations connected to misconduct claims at the Capitol.
On May 1st, NOTUS reported that Representative Chuck Edwards (R-North Carolina) is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee due to claims of sexual misconduct by a former aide. According to three sources, the committee is looking into allegations that Edwards had an affair with a staff member who departed earlier this year. The report characterizes the alleged relationship as a long-term connection with a former chief of staff who began working as a legislative aide in 2021, during Edwards’s time as a state senator.
Multiple sources indicated to NOTUS that the relationship wasn’t hidden and was fairly well-known among both the staff and members of the North Carolina delegation. It reportedly caused internal conflicts and even led to some employees leaving Edwards’s Washington office. Company policies forbid members from having romantic relationships with their staff.
Insiders disclosed to NOTUS that a complaint alleging sexual misconduct had been submitted to the Ethics Commission. Axios and CNN have both reported that the commission is examining claims of sexual harassment.
In response to the allegations and the ongoing investigation, Edwards stated, “Given the professionalism shown by my staff and my commitment to serving the people of Western North Carolina, I welcome any investigation.” He added that in the current political landscape, it’s not unexpected for those with their own agendas to aim to tarnish reputations with false accusations.
Recently, Congress has seen a spate of ethics investigations, a number of which involve claims of sexual misconduct and inappropriate work relationships. For example, former Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) suspended his gubernatorial campaign after being accused of sexual assault by several former staffers and other women. Shortly after, he announced intentions to resign from Congress while vowing to fight what he described as “grossly false allegations,” although he acknowledged regretting his judgment. His resignation followed an announcement from the House Ethics Committee about an investigation into possible sexual misconduct involving staff under his supervision.
In a similar case, Rep. Tony Gonzalez (R-TX) confirmed he is stepping down from Congress after admitting to an affair with former aide Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who served as a local district director. Gonzalez accepted “full responsibility” for what he called a mistake and noted his reconciliation with his wife. The affair became known among some staffers during the 2024 campaign, and according to reports, Santos-Avilés later informed colleagues about discovering messages from her husband regarding the affair. Tragically, she passed away in September 2025 after an attempted self-immolation. The House Ethics Committee has launched an investigation into whether Gonzalez breached the Code of Public Service or engaged in other misconduct involving staff.
Other instances of ethics-related departures have included former Rep. Sheila Charfilas McCormick (D-FL), who resigned just as the House Ethics Committee was considering sanctions stemming from a federal criminal case. A grand jury had indicted her for allegedly misappropriating $5 million in FEMA funds for campaign and personal purposes through her family’s business, alongside related financial misconduct. Days before resigning, she had intended to run for re-election despite ongoing scrutiny. The Ethics Committee claimed to have found “substantial evidence” of violations concerning campaign finance laws and House rules. McCormick, for her part, has denied wrongdoing, labeling the process a “witch hunt,” and her resignation effectively ended the committee’s jurisdiction and canceled planned hearings.
In yet another case, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-South Carolina) has put forth a motion to expel Rep. Cory Mills (R-Florida) based on various allegations, among them sexual misconduct, stolen valor, campaign finance violations, and improper conduct related to federal contracts. While this resolution is not privileged, it could still be voted upon. Accusations against Mills include threatening an ex-girlfriend with revenge porn after their relationship ended, as well as being involved in an incident in Washington, D.C. last year that drew law enforcement’s attention. Mills has denied any wrongdoing, criticized Mace for her comments, and is running for a third term in Congress, claiming support from former President Donald Trump.
