North Carolina -- August 5, 2026: U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) announced early Wednesday morning that he is ending his campaign for re-election in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District. The decision comes less than 48 hours after the bipartisan House Ethics Committee recommended he face a formal censure following an extensive investigation into allegations of employee harassment and creating a hostile work environment.
In a statement posted to social media around 3:30 a.m. on August 5, Edwards stated that he intends to finish out his remaining months in office rather than resign immediately.
"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."
Ethics Report Recommends Censure
The announcement follows the August 3 release of a unanimous report by the House Ethics Committee. The panel concluded that Edwards failed to adhere to House rules regarding sexual harassment and workplace standards by engaging in a pattern of "persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct" toward two female aides.
According to the committee’s findings, Edwards singled out the staffers for excessive attention, which included:
Unsolicited Gifts: Lavishing the employees with personal presents, including jewelry, personalized items, and firearms.
Inappropriate Communications: Sending messages late at night, expressing romantic sentiments, and making personal comments regarding weight and appearance.
Personal Invitations: Planning elaborate personal trips and private dinners without including other staff members.
While investigators found no evidence of explicit physical propositions or sexual activity, the committee concluded his actions created an uncomfortable environment that led both women to resign and severely impacted office morale.
Edwards and his legal team pushed back against the findings on Monday, arguing that the report "exonerates" him of direct rules violations and calling the recommended censure an overly harsh penalty. However, the mounting political pressure and a looming full House censure vote following the August recess ultimately prompted his exit from the 2026 race.
What Happens Next for the GOP and the 11th District
Because the primary election took place earlier this year, North Carolina state election law dictates how a party vacancy is filled when a candidate withdraws before November:
GOP Replacement Selection: There will be no special primary election. Instead, the 11th Congressional District Republican Executive Committee—a group composed of 16 local party leadership officials across the district’s counties—will convene to vote on and select a replacement nominee to take Edwards' spot on the general election ballot.
General Election Matchup: The newly selected Republican candidate will face Democratic nominee Jamie Ager, a Fairview livestock farmer who was added to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's "Red to Blue" program.
Congressional Succession: Edwards will remain in office as Western North Carolina's representative until his current term concludes in January 2027.