House Ethics Committee Investigating Rep. Jimmy Gomez Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations

The House Ethics Committee announced Monday that it is investigating Rep. Jimmy Gomez, a California Democrat, over allegations of sexual misconduct -- including claims that he engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer. The bipartisan panel said the review involves conduct that, if confirmed, would run afoul of House ethics rules. The announcement makes Gomez the latest member of Congress to face a formal ethics probe amid a broader reckoning on Capitol Hill over how lawmakers treat aides.

What the Ethics Committee Announced

The committee said it is reviewing allegations that Gomez may have engaged in sexual misconduct, including engaging in inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer. The panel, which serves as the House's internal watchdog, was careful to note that the existence of an investigation and its public disclosure does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred.

The committee typically operates in secrecy while probes are active, so Monday's statement is notable for its detail. It confirms an inquiry first reported earlier this year and formally puts it on the public record. Gomez, 51, is a five-term congressman representing California's 34th District, which includes Boyle Heights, Eagle Rock, and parts of downtown Los Angeles.

The Allegations and Where They Came From

The probe traces back to an April report alleging that Gomez was seen kissing a much younger congressional aide, roughly two decades his junior, outside a backyard party at the Washington residence of then-Rep. Eric Swalwell in August 2023. The aide worked for a different member of Congress, not for Gomez. His office denied the account at the time.

CNN reported in June, citing multiple sources, that the Ethics Committee had opened an investigation after following up on that story. According to those reports, the panel learned of additional allegations of misconduct against Gomez while pursuing the initial account and expanded its review beyond the original incident.

Under the House Code of Official Conduct, members are barred from sexual relationships with employees under their direct supervision. The aide identified in the original report did not work for Gomez, and the committee has not publicly detailed the additional allegations now under review.

Gomez Admits Mistakes, Denies Wrongdoing

Gomez acknowledged making personal mistakes outside his marriage while maintaining that he broke no laws and no House rules. In his statement, he said his actions were consensual in nature and did not violate the law or House ethics rules, but he acknowledged the pain his mistakes caused his wife and family.

He said he would cooperate fully with the inquiry and provide whatever information the committee needs. He also said he respects the committee's process and is confident that a full and impartial review of the facts will show he did not violate House rules or the law.

What Happens Next

The investigation lands as the House prepares to consider ethics overhaul legislation as soon as next month. A bipartisan bill drafted by Reps. Kat Cammack of Florida and Teresa Leger Fernandez of New Mexico would broaden the current ban on member-staffer relationships to cover all congressional aides, not just those working under a member's direct supervision.

Gomez joins a growing list of lawmakers who have faced misconduct allegations involving aides over the past year, and the outcome of his case could shape that debate. The Ethics Committee has not set a timeline for its findings. Its options range from dismissing the matter to issuing a letter of reproval to referring the case to the full House for further action. For now, the panel says it will make no further public comment except in accordance with its rules.