House Democrat investigated over alleged 'inappropriate sexual contact' with staffer

The House Ethics Committee is investigating a sitting Democratic lawmaker over allegations of sexual misconduct.

The committee, which acts as the House of Representatives' internal watchdog, announced Monday that it is investigating Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., over allegations including "inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer."

Gomez told Fox News Digital in a statement that he "made personal mistakes outside my marriage" but added that his extramarital relations were consensual and that he did not break any laws.

He's the latest House lawmaker to be accused of misconduct or harassment in relation to aides on Capitol Hill, an issue that's rocked Congress and forced a new reckoning over rules of engagement for lawmakers in Washington.

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Gomez, who has been in Congress since 2017, is known as a founder and chair of the Congressional Dads Caucus. According to its website, the caucus was created to "ensure that dads step up at home and in the halls of Congress."

Gomez is a married father of one.

He told Fox News Digital in a statement on the investigation, "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. I sought professional assistance to help re-center and heal my relationships and move forward with honesty, transparency, and respect. I continue to do this work.

"I have and continue to sincerely apologize to my family, friends, and the people that I have the privilege to serve. I am deeply sorry to my wife for the pain and embarrassment that I have brought into our lives. Her sacrifices and support are central to my ability to serve, and I can only feel gratitude for her grace and strength," Gomez said.

He added that he would cooperate with the committee in its probe, but would not say anything further out of respect for his family and the investigatory process.

More information was not immediately provided by the Ethics Committee, which typically operates in secrecy until it releases its final findings on a given matter. It did note that the allegations are not evidence of wrongdoing.

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For example, the panel released an explosive report this summer that detailed sexual harassment accusations against Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., targeting two young staffers who worked in his office. The committee recommended censuring Edwards, a form of punishment that's largely symbolic with no practical effects.

The resulting blowback, however, pushed Edwards to drop his re-election bid despite denying any wrongdoing.

The New York Post reported earlier this year that Gomez was seen kissing a "much younger" congressional aide in the summer of 2023.