Rep. Jimmy Gomez, a California Democrat representing a Los Angeles-area congressional district, is reportedly facing scrutiny from the House Ethics Committee following allegations of sexual misconduct, according to a report published Tuesday by CNN.
The report, authored by CNN journalists Pamela Brown, Annie Grayer, and Allison Gordon, stated that the investigation was sparked in part by a New York Post article published in April. That report alleged Gomez was seen secretly kissing a significantly younger congressional aide during the summer of 2023. Gomez, who has been married since 2011, initially denied the account when it first became public.
According to CNN, however, the Ethics Committee’s review expanded after investigators began examining the original allegation.
“In reaching out to look into that story, one of the sources told CNN, the panel learned of other allegations of sexual misconduct against Gomez that it is now investigating,” the network reported.
CNN further stated that the inquiry remains in its early stages, citing three sources familiar with the matter.
While Gomez denied the reported encounter when it was first publicized, he acknowledged the incident in a statement provided to CNN on Tuesday. The congressman described his actions as personal mistakes that occurred outside his marriage and expressed regret for the impact they had on his family.
“Years ago, I made personal mistakes outside my marriage that have caused real pain to my wife and family,” Gomez said.
The congressman also maintained that his conduct was consensual and did not violate the law or House ethics rules. Nevertheless, he said that did not lessen the harm caused to those closest to him.
“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,” he said.
Gomez went on to explain that he has sought professional assistance and has been working privately with his wife and family to address the consequences of his actions.
“I take full responsibility,” Gomez stated, adding that he remains committed to healing damaged relationships and moving forward with honesty and transparency.
The California lawmaker’s district includes neighborhoods such as Eagle Rock and Boyle Heights in Los Angeles.
The investigation into Gomez comes amid a broader series of ethics and misconduct inquiries involving members of Congress from both political parties.
CNN noted that former California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell had previously faced multiple sexual misconduct allegations while he was considered a leading candidate to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom. One former staffer accused Swalwell of raping her in a New York City hotel in 2024, and the Manhattan District Attorney’s office later announced it was investigating the allegation.
Swalwell denied the accusations before ultimately leaving Congress.
The report also referenced former Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas, who left Congress in April after facing an expulsion vote tied to allegations involving an affair with one staffer and claims that he sent inappropriate messages to another.
More recently, the House Ethics Committee launched an investigation into Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards of North Carolina. According to Axios, that inquiry is examining whether Edwards’ interactions with two young staffers crossed professional boundaries and created an uncomfortable workplace environment.
For now, the investigation into Gomez remains ongoing. With the Ethics Committee still in the early stages of its review, questions surrounding the allegations and any potential findings remain unresolved as lawmakers continue to face growing scrutiny over personal conduct and workplace behavior.
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