Chuck Edwards Drops Out Amid Harassment Claims as Max Miller Deadline Looms

Republican Representative Chuck Edwards, hailing from North Carolina, has decided to pull out of his re-election campaign due to sexual harassment allegations. Edwards penned a message on X stating, "After much prayer and reflection, I've decided to withdraw from my re-election campaign." He affirmed his intent to complete his current term, describing representing western North Carolina as "the honor of my life."

Edwards' decision came two days after the bipartisan House Ethics Committee recommended the full House censure him for "persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct" toward two young female staff members. The committee found that Edwards failed to abide by rules prohibiting sexual harassment of House staffers and repeatedly crossed professional boundaries with two aides.

Edwards has denied engaging in any sexual or romantic advances, challenging the committee's conclusions. In parallel, Representative Max Miller, a Republican from Ohio, faces a similar deadline to withdraw his re-election bid over domestic abuse allegations against him and his former wife, Emily Moreno. Miller has been accused of abusing Moreno and their young daughter.

Miller, in denial of these claims, has requested the House Ethics Committee to probe the allegations. Miller has until 4 p.m. on Wednesday to decide to withdraw his bid, allowing Ohio Republicans to replace him on the November ballot. He has indicated his intention to stay in the race.