Chuck Edwards announced he will not seek re-election in North Carolina following a House Ethics Committee recommendation that he be censured for "persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct" toward two female staff members.

The decision comes after the committee found that Edwards engaged in behavior that created a hostile work environment. The rebuke centers on his treatment of the two women, though specific details of the incidents were not disclosed in the initial report.

Edwards, a Republican representing North Carolina's 11th Congressional District, made the announcement abruptly, citing the ethics findings as the primary reason for stepping away from his campaign. His departure opens the race for his seat with less than two weeks before the state's primary election.

The House Ethics Committee's recommendation now moves to the full House for a potential vote on censure. A censure resolution would formally condemn Edwards' actions while stopping short of expulsion. Political analysts note that his withdrawal significantly reshapes the competitive landscape in the district.