Rep. Chuck Edwards Ends Re-Election Bid Following Ethics Censure Recommendation

North Carolina Republican Chuck Edwards announced he will not seek re-election, days after the House Ethics Committee recommended censuring him over sexual harassment allegations.

Edwards has not publicly detailed the specific findings behind the committee's recommendation, and his office said the decision to step aside was made to avoid distracting from constituent work in his final months in office.

His exit opens up a competitive seat in western North Carolina, and both parties are expected to move quickly to recruit candidates for the race.