House Ethics Committee says it is investigating allegations of sexual misconduct involving Rep. Jimmy Gomez

The House Ethics Committee said Monday that it is investigating allegations of sexual misconduct involving Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.). In a statement, the committee said it is “reviewing allegations” that Gomez “may have engaged in sexual misconduct in violation of the Code of Official Conduct or any other applicable standard of conduct,” including allegations described as involving “engaging” in sexual misconduct, according to the committee’s description of the claims it is examining.

The announcement places the California Democrat’s conduct under formal scrutiny by the House Ethics Committee, the chamber’s internal body responsible for enforcement related to members’ conduct. The committee’s statement framed the matter as an investigation tied to potential violations of the House Code of Official Conduct and other applicable conduct standards.

The committee did not, in the announcement reported by The Hill, provide additional factual details about the allegations beyond its statement that it is reviewing claims of potential sexual misconduct. The committee also did not specify the scope of evidence it is gathering or whether it has concluded any preliminary determinations.

The investigation comes as the Ethics Committee continues to manage a caseload that can include referrals and complaints about member behavior. While the committee’s statement indicates the panel has moved beyond informal review and into an investigation posture, it did not outline specific next steps, including whether the matter would proceed to formal findings or any resolution timeline.

For House operations, the ethics process can introduce uncertainty for affected offices because it may limit what members and staff can discuss publicly, and it can increase scrutiny of conduct and documentation related to workplace interactions. The committee’s review can also prompt additional attention from outside observers on how the House applies its internal standards and enforcement mechanisms.

Gomez’s case is likely to focus on whether the committee finds conduct that violates the Code of Official Conduct or other applicable standards, as referenced in the committee’s statement. Until further action is taken by the committee, the allegations remain unadjudicated, and the committee’s role is to review what evidence supports or undermines the claims it said it is examining.