RismadarVoice Reporters, August 18, 2026
The US House Ethics Committee has opened a review into allegations that Democratic Congressman Jimmy Gomez of California may have engaged in sexual misconduct involving a House staff member.
The committee said on Monday that it was examining whether Gomez violated the House Code of Official Conduct, including allegations of inappropriate sexual contact with a congressional staffer.
The Committee Chairman Michael Guest, a Republican from Mississippi, and ranking Democrat Mark DeSaulnier of California said the investigation itself should not be interpreted as evidence that Gomez had violated any rules.
They said the committee would not make further public comments on the matter except as permitted under its rules.
Gomez, who is married, acknowledged that he had made what he described as personal mistakes outside his marriage but denied violating the law or House ethics rules.
In a statement, the congressman said the conduct was consensual and pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation.
Gomez said he accepted responsibility for the personal consequences of his actions and expressed regret over the pain and embarrassment caused to his wife and family.
He also said he respected the committee’s process and believed an impartial examination of the facts would support his position that no ethics rules had been breached.
The congressman said he would refrain from further public comment while the investigation continues.
Meanwhile, reports earlier this year alleged that Gomez kissed a younger congressional aide during an incident in 2023. The woman was reportedly employed by another Democratic member of Congress.
House ethics rules prohibit lawmakers from engaging in sexual relationships with their own staff members and prohibit unwelcome sexual advances or conduct involving other congressional staff.
The committee said its investigation would determine whether Gomez violated either provision.
Ethics Committee Faces Several Probes
The investigation comes amid increased activity by the House Ethics Committee, which has an equal number of Republican and Democratic members.
Earlier this month, the committee recommended that the House censure Republican Congressman Chuck Edwards of North Carolina after finding that he had engaged in what it described as persistent inappropriate conduct towards two young female staff members. Edwards, who denied wrongdoing, subsequently announced that he would not seek re-election.
The committee also opened an investigation into Republican Congressman Max Miller of Ohio over allegations involving domestic violence, abuse or illegal drug use. Miller has denied wrongdoing and had requested an ethics investigation before the committee announced its review.
Another investigation involves Republican Congressman Cory Mills of Florida over allegations of sexual misconduct, dating violence and campaign finance violations. Mills has denied the allegations.
Two other lawmakers, Democrats Eric Swalwell of California and Tony Gonzales, a Republican from Texas, resigned this year while facing ethics investigations.
