The House Ethics Committee has started an investigation on Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) over allegations of sexual misconduct, three sources have told CNN.
The sources said the panel is following up on a New York Post story, where it is alleged Gomez was seen kissing an aide, who worked for a different member of Congress, outside a backyard party in 2023.
A spokesperson for Gomez told The Post at the time that the accounts were “not true” and the make-out session “didn’t happen.”
One of the sources told CNN, the panel learned of other allegations of sexual misconduct against Gomez.
Gomez has acknowledged making mistakes. He added those mistakes had not violated the law or any House ethics rules.
He added he would “cooperate with any Ethics Committee inquiry and provide it with whatever information it might need.”
“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,” he said in a statement.
“I take full responsibility and have committed myself to working through the pain privately with my wife and family,” he continued. “I 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. I continue to do this work.”
“I sincerely apologize to my wife, family, friends and the people that I have the privilege to serve. My wife and I will work through our family matters privately, but I am deeply sorry for the pain and embarrassment that I brought into our lives. Her sacrifices and support are central to my ability to serve, and I can only feel gratitude for her grace and strength,” he added.
The investigation is still in its early stages.
Two lawmakers, Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales, recently resigned amid allegations of sexual misconduct with staffers.
The panel said it is taking all allegations seriously and want to follow any tips.
Gomez, who represents California’s 34th district, is a member that the panel is currently investigating him.
In April, CNN reported the House Ethics Committee was investigating allegations of sexual harassment against GOP Rep. Chuck Edwards R-S.C.). He has denied the allegation.
House Ethics Committee Chairman Michael Guest told CNN he is pushing for his panel to get more staff and authority.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries appointed a bipartisan task force that will attempt to reform the way sexual harassment claims are handled in Congress.
