The House Ethics Committee confirmed Monday it is investigating Rep. Jimmy Gomez over allegations of sexual misconduct.
The committee said the allegations against the California Democrat include “engaging in inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer.” The committee noted that the investigation does not indicate that any violation has occurred.
“I respect the Committee’s process and am confident that a full and impartial review of the facts will bear that out,” Gomez said in a statement Monday. “I stand ready to cooperate with the Ethics Committee inquiry and provide it with whatever information it might need. Out of respect for my family and the ongoing process, I will have no further comment.”
The investigation was first reported in June by CNN, which came after a New York Post story saying the California congressman had been spotted kissing an aide of a different lawmaker.
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In a statement to CNN at the time, Gomez said he had made mistakes that hurt his family, but none that violated House ethics rules. Gomez said then that he would cooperate with any House Ethics investigation.
“Years ago, I made personal mistakes outside my marriage that have caused real pain to my wife and family. 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,” Gomez said in that June statement.
Gomez’s Monday statement was similar to the one in June, in which he admitted to hurting his family but denied breaking any laws or House rules.
“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,” he said.
The Ethics Committee is charged with investigating any federal law or House rule violations, and can recommend penalties for anyone who was found in violation. The committee earlier this month recommended the censure of Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-North Carolina), who then dropped his reelection bid.
Rep. Cory Mills (R-Florida) is also under investigation by the Ethics Committee for allegations of domestic abuse, stolen valor and financial misconduct — all of which he denies.
Former Reps. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) and Eric Swalwell (D-California) resigned earlier this year amid allegations of sexual misconduct. While Swalwell denies allegations, Gonzalez admitted to an affair with a staffer who later died by self-immolation.
This story has been updated to include a statement from Monday from Rep. Jimmy Gomez.
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