Chuck Edwards: “I recognize now that my understanding of those relationships may not have always matched yours.”

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.

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.

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

God bless WNC and America.