Representative Chuck Edwards has withdrawn from his re-election campaign following a House Ethics Committee report. The committee found he violated House rules concerning sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. This conclusion stemmed from reporting that Edwards gave inappropriate special attention to two young female staffers. The Ethics Committee recommended his censure, which would have presented significant electoral challenges. Edwards, who had consistently denied wrongdoing, will complete his current term. His attorneys described the committee's findings as unfounded in a rebuttal. The Ethics Committee's report detailed incidents like handwritten correspondence, personal gifts, and outings as supporting evidence. Pressure had been mounting for Edwards to step down since the report's release. This situation shifted his North Carolina district's race from "lean Republican" to "toss-up." Republicans largely expected Edwards to be censured, with some calling for his resignation.