House Ethics Committee opens sexual misconduct investigation into Rep. Jimmy Gomez

Gomez becomes latest lawmaker investigated this Congress amid ethics probes

The House Ethics Committee said in a Monday statement that it “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.” The committee is acting under Rule 18(a), the standing procedural mechanism by which the panel opens an inquiry. The committee also noted that the existence of an inquiry does not itself indicate that any violation occurred.

The allegations under review include “inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer,” according to NPR’s reporting on the committee’s announcement.

The New York Post reported in April that Gomez had been seen kissing a member of another office’s congressional staff in 2023. A spokesperson for Gomez told the Post at the time that the accounts shared with the outlet were “not true.” Gomez later acknowledged “personal mistakes” outside of his marriage.

In a statement to NPR, Gomez said: “Although my actions were consensual in nature and haven’t violated the law or House Ethics rules, that doesn’t diminish the impact that these mistakes have made on those I care about the most. I take full responsibility and have committed myself to working through the pain privately with my wife and family.”

Gomez added: “I also appreciate the Committee’s statement that the existence of an inquiry does not itself indicate that any violation occurred. I respect the Committee’s process and am confident that a full and impartial review of the facts will bear that out. Out of respect for my family and the ongoing process, I will have no further comment.”

Gomez has represented portions of Los Angeles in the House since 2017. He faces Angela Gonzales-Torres, a community advocate and fellow Democrat, in his November reelection bid.

In a June statement posted to X, Gonzales-Torres said she saw “what appears to be a culture in Congress in which men abuse women” and added that if Gomez “has nothing to hide, he should have no concern. But if there was any criminal behavior that he witnessed, participated in, or helped conceal, we will find out and we will help ensure accountability and justice.”

The Gomez inquiry is the latest in a string of House Ethics investigations this Congress involving allegations of sexual misconduct, assault or other impropriety. Earlier this month, Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., said he would end his reelection campaign after the Ethics Committee recommended he face a censure vote for allegedly harassing two young female staffers. Edwards denied the allegations.

In April, Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., resigned his House seat and ended his California gubernatorial bid amid allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, which he denied. Texas Republican Tony Gonzales also resigned from the House after admitting to an affair with a former staff member who later died by suicide.

Republican Reps. Max Miller of Ohio and Cory Mills of Florida also face House Ethics investigations tied to outside domestic violence allegations. Both have denied wrongdoing.