Creepy MAGA Rep, 65, Does 3:30AM Reveal About Running Again
Chuck Edwards gave weird gifts to young female staffers.
Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
MAGA North Carolina Rep. Chuck Edwards has announced that he is abandoning his re-election bid after the House Ethics Committee ruled that he had sexually harassed two young female staffers.
On Monday, the committee recommended that the Donald Trump-endorsed congressman be censured after finding that he had violated sexual harassment and hostile workplace rules by leaving two of his staff “uncomfortable” by lavishing them with expensive gifts and “unwanted” attention.
In a statement posted on X just after 3:30 a.m. ET, Edwards, 65, confirmed he will not be seeking another term representing North Carolina’s 11th congressional district.
“After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to withdraw from my re-election campaign. I will complete my current term,” Edwards wrote. “Serving Western North Carolina has been the honor of my life. Thank you for your trust, prayers, and support. God bless WNC and America.”

Chuck Edwards posted his decision to end his re-election bid at 3:32 a.m. ET.
X/Chuck Edwards
There had been pressure on Edwards to end his re-election bid after the damning conclusion of the House Ethics Committee investigation into his behavior.
ADVERTISEMENT
The probe found that Edwards had engaged in “persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct” towards two young female staffers.
Sign Up for The Swamp Newsletter
By clicking “SUBSCRIBE” you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This included going “beyond norms of professional behavior” by giving both women lavish gifts such as expensive jewelry, purses, guns, a robotic vacuum, as well as vacations, tickets to performances, and one-on-one dinners.
Edwards also frequently made comments “regarding their appearance and dress, inviting them to intimate dinners and vacations, sending notes regarding his effusive affection, and inviting them to other activities as a way to spend time together.”
“While Representative Edwards denied that any of his conduct was intended as a sexual or romantic advance, his pattern of behavior would lead a reasonable observer to interpret it as such,” the committee said.

The ethics committee blasted Chuck Edwards for not having “acknowledged or taken responsibility for the harm he caused.”
Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag
The investigation found that while there is no evidence that Edwards engaged in sexual activity with or explicitly propositioned either of the female staffers, he was still in violation of the “spirit of rules prohibiting sexual harassment of and unwanted advances to House staffers.”
Edwards was among a host of Republicans who could lose their seats in November’s midterm elections.
Last week, election forecaster Sabato’s Crystal Ball shifted his race from a “lean” Republican win to a “toss-up.”
“My heart goes out to the young women who took these roles to serve our community,” Edwards’ Democratic opponent, Jamie Ager, said in a statement following Monday’s censure recommendation. “We deserve leaders with the moral character Western North Carolina can be proud of.”
Edwards’ seat was previously held by Madison Cawthorn, a scandal-hit MAGA lawmaker who caused headaches within the GOP after claiming members of Congress took part in orgies and that he had witnessed others do cocaine in front of him.
Register below to read this article for free or subscribe
to unlock unlimited access to The Daily Beast.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Sign In
Looks like you already have a subscription!
- Account (completed)
- Payment (completed)
- Confirmation (completed)
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.
- 1Account
- 2Payment
- 3Confirmation


ADVERTISEMENT
Sign in or create an account
Login dialog
Loading comments…
ADVERTISEMENT