Democrat Under House Ethics Investigation Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations

(Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via AP Images)

The House Ethics Committee is investigating Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) over allegations of sexual misconduct, the panel announced Monday.

In a brief press release, the committee said:

Pursuant to Committee Rule 7, the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Ethics (Committee) determined to release the following statement:

The Committee, pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a), is reviewing allegations that Representative Jimmy Gomez may have engaged in sexual misconduct in violation of the Code of Official Conduct or any other applicable standard of conduct, including engaging in inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer in violation of clause 18(b) of the Code.

The Committee notes that the mere fact that it is investigating these allegations, and publicly disclosing its review, does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred. No other public comment will be made on this matter except in accordance with Committee rules.

In June, CNN reported that the committee had opened a probe after looking into an April New York Post report that Gomez had kissed a younger congressional aide in 2023. CNN reported that, while examining that allegation, the panel learned of additional sexual misconduct claims against the congressman. Gomez subsequently acknowledged having made “personal mistakes outside my marriage,” but maintained that his actions were consensual and did not violate the law or House ethics rules.

Gomez joins a growing list of lawmakers who have faced scrutiny from the House Ethics Committee this year. The panel investigated former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) over allegations of sexual misconduct involving an employee under his supervision, while Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) was investigated over his conduct toward young female staffers. The committee ultimately found substantial reason to believe Edwards violated House rules on sexual harassment and hostile workplaces and recommended his censure.

Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL), meanwhile, remains under investigation over a sprawling collection of allegations that includes domestic abuse and other misconduct, while Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) is being investigated over allegations of domestic violence, abuse, and illegal drug use. The committee is also reviewing a matter involving Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX), though it has not yet publicly disclosed the underlying allegations.

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