北卡罗来州共和党众议员Chuck Edwards在众议院伦理委员会建议对其进行谴责后，于周三宣布退出2024年连任竞选。[1][2]伦理委员会确定Edwards对两名年轻女性助手进行了不当行为，包括赠送奢侈和经常性礼物、评论其外表和衣着、邀请参加私人晚宴和度假，以及发送表达感情的便条。[1][2]委员会认为这些行为"会导致理性观察者将其解释为性或浪漫的追求"，并确定Edwards"营造敌对工作环境并性骚扰"了这两名员工。[1][2]
Edwards否认有任何性或浪漫意图。[1]委员会报告指Edwards"承认至少某些行为可能被视为不恰当"，但"没有承认或对所造成的伤害负责"。[2]调查未发现证据表明Edwards与员工有性接触或做出明确性提议。[1][2]Edwards在社交媒体声明中表示，他"经过深思熟虑和祷告"后做出决定，将完成现任期。[2]
Republican U.S. Representative Chuck Edwards of North Carolina announced his withdrawal from the 2024 reelection race on Wednesday, following a House Ethics Committee recommendation to censure him [1][2]. The committee's investigation determined that Edwards engaged in inappropriate conduct toward two young female staffers, including providing luxury gifts, commenting on their appearance and clothing, and inviting them to private dinners and vacations [1][2].
The Ethics Committee concluded on Monday that Edwards' behavior would reasonably be interpreted by observers as sexual or romantic in nature, though the investigation found no evidence that Edwards made explicit sexual propositions to employees or engaged in sexual activity with them [1][2]. Edwards has denied any sexual or romantic intent in his actions [1]. In a statement, Edwards indicated he made his decision "after prayerful reflection" and stated he would complete his current term through January [2]. The committee's report noted that Edwards "acknowledged at least some of his conduct could be viewed as inappropriate," but did not take responsibility for the harm caused [2].