Chuck Edwards

I can acknowledge poor judgment, regret the discomfort that some of my actions may have caused, and apologize to those who were hurt by this episode, while still disputing a conclusion that the evidence simply does not support.

Mr. Speaker, regret is not an admission of sexual harassment.

And conduct that is otherwise permissible does not automatically become misconduct, simply because enough individual moments are assembled together and viewed through the darkest possible ends.

The factual findings of this investigation do not justify branding me as though I did.

I am imperfect. I have made mistakes, but I do not believe I committed sexual harassment.

I respect the House vote. I do not accept the conclusion that it produced.

I want to say something directly and publicly to the two women who have been at the center of all of this. I am sorry. I'm sorry that my actions, my judgment or the way that I expressed a friendship ever put either of you in an…

A censure by this House carries the weight of history.

Generosity is not sexual harassment.

Regret is not an admission of sexual harassment.

I recognize now that my understanding of those relationships may not have always matched yours.

Judge me on the facts, not on the inference, insinuation or headlines.

An affectionate friendship is not a sexual proposition. A gift is not sexual misconduct. A compliment is not sexual misconduct. Poetry is not sexual misconduct. Socializing with a colleague is not sexual misconduct. Caring deeply about…

An affectionate friendship is not a sexual proposition. A gift is not sexual misconduct,” he wrote. “A compliment is not sexual misconduct. Poetry is not sexual misconduct.

Possibility is not proof. Inference is not proof. And selective context is not totality. A finding this serious should rest on evidence equally serious. This one does not.

Before accepting the Committee’s conclusion, I respectfully ask you to examine the evidence, the omissions, the disputed facts and, above all, the enormous distance between what the Committee actually found and the label it ultimately…

I am asking you to distinguish between the conduct that someone, examining isolated excerpts after the fact, might consider unconventional and conduct that actually establishes sexual harassment.

After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to withdraw from my re-election campaign. I will complete my current term,

God bless WNC and America.

Thank you for your trust, prayers, and support.

Serving Western North Carolina has been the honor of my life.

After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to withdraw from my re-election campaign.

This decision has not come easily. Public service always requires sacrifice—not only from those who serve, but from their spouses, families, volunteers, and supporters.

After much prayer, thoughtful reflection, and many conversations with my family, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from my re-election campaign.