The House Ethics Committee announced Monday that it is investigating Rep. Jimmy Gomez over allegations that the California Democrat engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with a House staffer.
Mr. Gomez, 51, admitted in June to cheating on his wife when CNN first reported that the Ethics Committee was looking into allegations he engaged in sexual misconduct.
“Years ago, I made personal mistakes outside my marriage that have caused real pain to my wife and family,” the California Democrat said in a statement to the outlet at the time. “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.”
The New York Post reported that Mr. Gomez was spotted at a party in 2023 kissing a House staffer who worked for a different lawmaker. In looking into that story, the Ethics Committee learned of other sexual misconduct allegations involving Mr. Gomez, according to CNN.
The Monday statement from Ethics Committee leaders said the panel is “reviewing allegations that Representative Jimmy Gomez may have engaged in sexual misconduct … including engaging in inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer.”
The statement did not include details but cited a potential violation of clause 18(b) of the House Code of Official Conduct, which says lawmakers “may not engage in unwelcome sexual advances or conduct towards another Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, officer, or employee of the House.”
Mr. Gomez’s June statement to CNN said he took “full responsibility” for his infidelity and that he “sought professional assistance to help re-center and heal the relationships that mean everything to me, and move forward with the honesty, transparency, and respect that everyone deserves from the people they love.”
The Ethics Committee’s investigation into Mr. Gomez comes amid a larger effort to crack down on sexual misconduct in Congress after the resignations of Reps. Eric Swalwell, California Democrat, and Tony Gonzales, Texas Republican, earlier this year.
Mr. Swalwell denied allegations that he raped a former staffer and engaged in other sexual misconduct. Mr. Gonzales admitted to having an affair with one of his aides who later died by self-immolation.
The party in which Mr. Gomez was allegedly spotted kissing a House staffer was hosted by Mr. Swalwell.
