Rep. Chuck Edwards announced Wednesday that he is dropping his re-election campaign, after the House Ethics Committee recommended a censure for inappropriate behavior with female staffers.
“After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to withdraw from my re-election campaign. I will complete my current term,” the North Carolina Republican said in a post on X. “Serving Western North Carolina has been the honor of my life. Thank you for your trust, prayers, and support. God bless WNC and America.”
The Ethics Committee this week said that Edwards engaged in “persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct towards two young female staffers.” Edwards cooperated with the probe and did not challenge the findings, though his lawyers argued they did not rise to the level of censure.
His decision came after House GOP leaders and fellow North Carolina Republicans privately pushed for him to exit the race. Republicans in recent weeks were unsure whether Edwards could hold onto his seat.
In a Tuesday night interview with POLITICO, Speaker Mike Johnson declined to say whether Edwards should continue his campaign but said he planned to talk with Edwards about his decision and that he has “a big decision” to make.
That conversation happened overnight, a Johnson aide familiar with the conversation said, with the speaker encouraging Edwards “to make the right decision for his family and everyone.”
Edwards’ decision comes ahead of a Monday deadline for Republicans to replace him on the ballot.
The North Carolina GOP’s executive committee for Edward’s 11th District plans to meet Monday at 6:30 p.m. to decide on a replacement as GOP nominee, according to two people granted anonymity to describe the process ahead of a public announcement.
Potential nominees include state Sens. Kevin Corbin and Tim Moffitt and state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom, the people said.
Democrats, meanwhile, called on Edwards to resign immediately and expressed confidence that their nominee, Jamie Ager, would beat any substitute in November.
“For months, North Carolina Republicans stood by and allowed Edwards to get away with a long, demonstrated pattern of abuse,” DCCC spokesperson Madison Andrus said. “Whichever GOP lapdog they try to drop in Edwards’ place will own the consequences.”
Dasha Burns contributed to this report.
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