House investigators have opened a probe into Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez of California over serious allegations that include “inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer.”
The House Ethics Committee announced the investigation Monday, putting the longtime Democratic lawmaker under fresh scrutiny as Capitol Hill continues to grapple with allegations of misconduct involving members and their staff.
Gomez, who has served in Congress since 2017, acknowledged that he had been unfaithful to his wife but insisted the relationships were consensual and did not violate the law or House rules.
The allegations are particularly striking given Gomez’s public role as founder and chair of the Congressional Dads Caucus, which says it was created to “ensure that dads step up at home and in the halls of Congress.”
Gomez is married and has one child.
NEW: The House Ethics Committee announces it is now investigating Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) over allegations of sexual misconduct, “including engaging in inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer.” pic.twitter.com/wsGwEwRoir
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) August 17, 2026
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Gomez admitted to personal wrongdoing while disputing any suggestion that he broke the law.
“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. I take full responsibility and have committed myself to working through the pain privately with my wife and family. I sought professional assistance to help re-center and heal my relationships and move forward with honesty, transparency, and respect. I continue to do this work.
“I have and continue to sincerely apologize to my family, friends, and the people that I have the privilege to serve. I am deeply sorry to my wife for the pain and embarrassment that I have 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,” Gomez said.
Gomez said he would cooperate with the Ethics Committee investigation but would not comment further while the probe is ongoing.
The committee has not released additional details about the allegations.
House Ethics investigations are generally conducted behind closed doors until the panel releases findings or other formal action.
The committee also stressed that opening an investigation does not itself establish that Gomez committed wrongdoing.
Still, the probe comes after earlier reporting raised questions about Gomez’s conduct with a congressional aide.
The New York Post reported earlier this year that Gomez was seen kissing a “much younger” congressional aide during the summer of 2023.
The investigation adds Gomez to a growing list of lawmakers who have faced scrutiny over their treatment of staffers and personal relationships on Capitol Hill.
Earlier this summer, the Ethics Committee released a report detailing sexual harassment allegations against Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards of North Carolina involving two young staffers.
The committee recommended that Edwards be censured, though he denied wrongdoing.
Edwards later dropped his re-election bid amid the fallout.
The Gomez investigation could revive broader questions about whether members of Congress should face tougher restrictions involving relationships with staffers, particularly when significant workplace power imbalances are involved.
For Gomez, the political problem is already clear.
The Democrat built part of his public image around family and fatherhood, yet he is now acknowledging extramarital relationships while facing a formal House investigation into allegations involving a staffer.
The Ethics Committee has not announced when it expects to complete its investigation.
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