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

The House Ethics Committee is investigating Representative Jimmy Gomez over allegations of inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer. Gomez, a California Democrat who chairs the Congressional Dads Caucus, admits to consensual extramarital mistakes but denies violating any laws or House ethics rules. The probe comes amid a series of recent congressional ethics investigations and ahead of Gomez's competitive fall 2026 reelection bid against progressive challenger Angela Gonzales-Torres.

House Ethics Committee investigation

• ▪The House Ethics Committee is investigating whether Representative Jimmy Gomez violated a section of the Code of Official Conduct prohibiting unwelcome sexual advances or conduct toward House employees.
• ▪The House Ethics Committee stated that the public disclosure of the investigation into Representative Jimmy Gomez does not indicate that any violation of House rules has occurred.
• ▪The House Ethics Committee announced on August 17, 2026, that it is investigating Representative Jimmy Gomez over allegations of sexual misconduct.

Sexual misconduct allegations

• ▪The New York Post reported in April 2026 that Representative Jimmy Gomez was spotted in 2023 kissing a staffer who worked for another member of Congress.
• ▪The House Ethics Committee investigation into Representative Jimmy Gomez includes a review of allegations related to inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer.

Gomez personal statement

• ▪Representative Jimmy Gomez apologized to his wife for the pain and embarrassment caused by his actions and stated he is working through the situation privately with his family.
• ▪Representative Jimmy Gomez acknowledged making personal mistakes outside his marriage years ago but stated his actions were consensual and did not violate the law or House ethics rules.
• ▪Representative Jimmy Gomez stated he is ready to cooperate with the House Ethics Committee inquiry and provide any necessary information.

Recent congressional ethics probes

• ▪The House Ethics Committee recommended in August 2026 that Representative Chuck Edwards be censured for inappropriate conduct toward female staffers, leading Edwards to drop his reelection bid.
• ▪Former Representatives Tony Gonzales and Eric Swalwell resigned in April 2026 following House Ethics Committee investigations into sexual misconduct allegations.
• ▪The House Ethics Committee is investigating Representative Max Miller over allegations of domestic violence, abuse, and illegal drug use.

Gomez reelection challenge

• ▪Representative Jimmy Gomez faces a general election challenge in the fall of 2026 from progressive Democrat Angela Gonzales-Torres.
• ▪Representative Jimmy Gomez, first elected in 2017 to represent California's 34th Congressional District, chairs the Congressional Dads Caucus.

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