New Ethics Committee Investigation Launched Into Democratic Congressman

California Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee over allegations involving possible sexual misconduct with a congressional staff member.

The committee announced Monday that it is reviewing claims that Gomez may have violated House conduct rules, including a provision that prohibits certain sexual relationships involving lawmakers and staffers.

According to the committee, the investigation centers on whether Gomez engaged in “inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer” or otherwise violated applicable standards of conduct.

The committee also cautioned that opening an investigation does not mean Gomez has been found guilty of wrongdoing. Its statement emphasized that the review itself should not be taken as evidence that a violation occurred.

Gomez has acknowledged having extramarital relationships but has denied breaking the law or House ethics rules.

According to Politico, Gomez said the relationships were consensual and maintained that none of his conduct violated congressional standards. He also publicly apologized to his wife, saying he was deeply sorry for the pain and embarrassment his actions caused.

Gomez said he sought professional help in an effort to repair his relationships and move forward with greater honesty and transparency.

He also said he expects an impartial review to confirm that he did not violate House rules.

The case comes against the backdrop of ethics rules adopted by the House in 2018. Those rules prohibit lawmakers from having sexual relationships with employees they directly supervise, including personal office staff and certain committee employees.

However, the current rules do not amount to a blanket prohibition on lawmakers having relationships with all congressional staff members. Politico reported that Reps. Kat Cammack, a Florida Republican, and Teresa Leger Fernández, a New Mexico Democrat, have been working on a proposal that would expand the prohibition to cover sexual relationships between lawmakers and any House employee.