House Ethics Committee Probes Rep. Jimmy Gomez Over Staff Relationship Claims
The House Ethics Committee has opened an investigation into whether Representative Jimmy Gomez of California engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer. The Democrat from Los Angeles acknowledged making personal mistakes outside his marriage but firmly denied any violation of House rules or the law.
In a public statement, Gomez, 51, said his actions were consensual and did not break any rules. He expressed regret for the pain his choices caused his family, adding that he takes full responsibility and is working through the aftermath privately with his wife.
What are the House rules on lawmaker-staff relationships?
Since 2018, in the wake of the #MeToo movement, House rules have forbidden members from engaging in sexual conduct with their own aides or with staff working on committees they serve on. However, the rules do not prohibit relationships with other congressional employees who are not under the lawmaker's direct supervision.
The Ethics Committee's statement, signed by Republican Chairman Michael Guest of Mississippi and top Democrat Mark DeSaulnier of California, cited the clause banning unwelcome sexual advances or conduct toward other lawmakers or House employees.
Why is the committee investigating Gomez now?
The committee did not specify what triggered the inquiry, noting that an investigation does not imply wrongdoing. But reports from The New York Post in April claimed Gomez kissed a staffer from another congressional office in 2023. CNN reported in June that the committee was already looking into the matter. Gomez, who is running for re-election against a fellow Democrat, stepped down as chairman of Representative Eric Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign after Swalwell faced sexual assault allegations he denies.
Is the Ethics Committee under pressure to act faster?
Yes. The bipartisan panel has faced criticism from lawmakers and advocacy groups for moving too slowly on misconduct claims. Earlier this month, Representative Chuck Edwards, a Republican from North Carolina, ended his re-election bid after the committee found substantial reason to believe he violated sexual harassment and hostile workplace rules. That probe took less than four months.
House leaders have tapped Representatives Kat Cammack, a Florida Republican, and Teresa Leger Fernández, a New Mexico Democrat, to recommend reforms to the ethics process. Several members have also proposed updating the code of conduct to bar sexual relationships with any staff member, not just direct subordinates.
What happens next in the Gomez case?
The Ethics Committee will continue its review, though no timeline has been set. Gomez maintains his innocence while acknowledging the personal toll. The case adds to a broader reckoning in Congress over workplace conduct and the adequacy of its internal oversight.
Frequently asked questions about the Gomez investigation
Did Jimmy Gomez admit to breaking House rules?
No. Gomez admitted to personal mistakes outside his marriage but denied violating the law or House Ethics rules, stating his actions were consensual.
What prompted the Ethics Committee investigation?
The committee did not disclose its reasons, but media reports from The New York Post and CNN detailed allegations of a kiss with a staffer from another office in 2023.
Can members of Congress date staffers?
Under current House rules, members cannot have sexual relationships with their own aides or committee staff, but relationships with other congressional employees are not explicitly banned.