House Ethics Committee Investigating Rep. Jimmy Gomez Over Sexual Misconduct Allegation

The House Ethics Committee announced on August 17, 2026, that it is investigating California Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez over an allegation of sexual misconduct involving a House staffer. According to the committee, the allegations include claims that Gomez engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with the staffer. Gomez has publicly acknowledged making "personal mistakes" outside his marriage but has denied violating House Ethics rules or the law, maintaining that the encounter was consensual. He specifically denied breaking rules that prohibit relationships with a direct subordinate. The woman interviewed by the House Ethics Committee has reportedly disputed Gomez's characterization of the encounter as consensual, with at least one report describing the allegation as amounting to a sexual assault accusation. The investigation by the House Ethics Committee remains ongoing, and no findings or conclusions have been announced. It is not yet clear what specific evidence or testimony the committee has gathered beyond the initial allegation and Gomez's response, nor is there a confirmed timeline for when the investigation might conclude. The exact nature and severity of the alleged conduct remain disputed between Gomez's account and the accuser's version of events.