WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House Ethics Committee announced on Monday that it is investigating Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez for alleged sexual misconduct. The committee is reviewing allegations that Gomez engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer.

Rep. Michael Guest and Rep. Mark DeSaulnier stated that the public acknowledgment of the investigation does not indicate that any violation has occurred. The House Ethics Committee, a standing committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, stated that it is investigating whether there were violations of House ethics rules. These rules bar members from having sexual relations with their own staffers and from making unwelcome sexual advances or conduct involving other House staffers.

Gomez acknowledged making personal mistakes outside his marriage. He stated that his actions were consensual and did not violate the law or House Ethics rules. Gomez also stated he is ready to cooperate with the Ethics Committee inquiry.

He apologized to his wife Mary Hodge for the pain and embarrassment caused. Gomez stated he sought professional assistance to help heal his relationships.

Gomez represents California’s 34th Congressional District. He has served as the U.S. representative for the district. In 2023, Gomez founded the Congressional Dads Caucus. He is married to Mary Hodge.

The New York Post reported in April 2026 that Gomez was spotted kissing a younger staffer from another office in 2023. It was reported in June 2026 that the House Ethics Committee discovered other allegations of sexual misconduct by Gomez. Gomez faces an election challenge in November from Democrat Angela Gonzales-Torres. California Secretary of State election results state that Angela Gonzales-Torres received 30% of the vote in the June primary, while Gomez received 46%.

Why It Matters

The investigation into Gomez occurs in the context of recent ethics cases in the House. The House Ethics Committee recommended censuring Rep. Chuck Edwards earlier in August 2026. Edwards ended his reelection campaign after the Ethics Committee recommendation. The House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into Rep. Max Miller regarding domestic violence allegations on August 4, 2026.

Other members have resigned from Congress earlier in 2026. Rep. Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress following allegations of sexual assault. Rep. Tony Gonzales resigned from Congress during an ethics investigation. These events demonstrate the ongoing role of the Ethics Committee in addressing alleged misconduct by members of Congress.

Timeline

In 2023, Rep. Gomez founded the Congressional Dads Caucus. In April 2026, the New York Post reported that Rep. Gomez was spotted kissing a younger staffer from another office in 2023. Also in April 2026, Rep. Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress following allegations of sexual assault. Rep. Tony Gonzales resigned from Congress earlier in 2026 during an ethics investigation.

In June 2026, the House Ethics Committee discovered other allegations of sexual misconduct by Rep. Gomez. During the June primary, Angela Gonzales-Torres received 30% of the vote, while Rep. Gomez received 46%. Earlier in August 2026, the House Ethics Committee recommended censuring Rep. Edwards.

What's New

It was reported that the House Ethics Committee recommended censuring Rep. Edwards earlier in August 2026. The committee stated that it is investigating whether there were violations of House ethics rules, which bar members from having sexual relations with their own staffers and from making unwelcome sexual advances or conduct involving other House staffers. Rep. Gomez stated he sought professional assistance to help heal his relationships.

The House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into Rep. Max Miller regarding domestic violence allegations on August 4, 2026. Rep. Tony Gonzales resigned from Congress earlier in 2026 during an ethics investigation. Rep. Edwards ended his reelection campaign after the Ethics Committee recommendation.

How Sources Differ

Sources provide different levels of detail regarding the election between Gomez and Angela Gonzales-Torres. California Secretary of State election records state that Rep. Gomez faces an election challenge in November from Democrat Angela Gonzales-Torres. California Secretary of State election results state that Angela Gonzales-Torres received 30% of the vote in the June primary, while Rep. Gomez received 46%.