Facing a censure recommendation, a collapsing reelection race, and pressure from his own party's leadership, Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards (NC-11) announced early Wednesday that he is withdrawing from his reelection campaign. The House Ethics Committee had recommended censuring him two days earlier over his treatment of two young female staffers.
Edwards posted the decision on X/Twitter early Wednesday morning. He said he will remain in Congress through the end of his term.
After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to withdraw from my re-election campaign. I will complete my current term. Serving Western North Carolina has been the honor of my life. Thank you for your trust, prayers, and support. God bless WNC and America.
— Congressman Chuck Edwards (@RepChuckEdwards) August 5, 2026
Republican leaders had been quietly working to push Edwards out, fearing the scandal could flip a Western North Carolina seat they had long taken for granted.
As RedState previously reported, the bipartisan committee concluded that Edwards repeatedly crossed professional boundaries with the staffers through late-night messages, comments about their appearance, private dinners, personal trips and more than $1,000 in jewelry, designer purses and other gifts.
Read More: House Ethics Panel Calls for Censure of GOP Rep. Chuck Edwards Over Conduct With Female Staffers
Investigators found no evidence that Edwards had a sexual relationship with either woman or explicitly propositioned anyone in his office. The committee nevertheless concluded that his conduct violated requirements that members behave in a manner reflecting creditably on the House and follow the spirit of its rules against sexual harassment and unwanted advances.
The report also said both women eventually left the congressional office because of his conduct. Edwards disputed the committee’s conclusions and argued that neither staffer told him his attention was unwanted.
Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) spoke with Edwards on Tuesday and told him the race was no longer winnable, according to a Capitol Hill source. A spokesman for Budd declined to discuss the private conversation but said the senator considered the Ethics Committee’s report “deeply concerning.”
"He believes Rep. Edwards faces a significant uphill battle in his reelection bid, given that he was already trailing in the polls and being out-raised 9 to 1 even before this report’s publication."
The pressure extended into the House Republican Conference. Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13) said she would support censuring Edwards, while a House GOP leadership aide said there was no apparent path for him to avoid the punishment.
Edwards was already struggling against Democrat nominee Jamie Ager. Sabato’s Crystal Ball moved the 11th Congressional District from “Lean Republican” to “Toss-Up” last week, while Ager had significantly outraised the incumbent.
North Carolina Republicans have until early September to replace Edwards on the November ballot — giving the party a narrow window to mount a credible defense of a seat that was already slipping away. The House may still move forward with a censure vote when lawmakers return from recess at the end of the month, meaning Edwards could leave his congressional career with a formal rebuke on the record regardless.
Editor’s Note: Help us continue to report the truth about corrupt politicians.
Join RedState VIP and use promo code FIGHT to receive 60% off your membership.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member