Another Congressman Is Facing Sexual Misconduct Allegations. The House Is Considering a Relationship Ban.

A Democratic congressman is facing an investigation over allegations of sexual misconduct, the House Ethics Committee announced.

The committee detailed that it was "reviewing allegations" involving California Democrat Jimmy Gomez. They involve "sexual misconduct" involving a congressional staff member.

Gomez acknowledged in a statement that he had "made personal mistakes outside my marriage," but insisted that his actions were "consensual in nature" and that he had not violated any House Ethics Rules with his conduct.

"That doesn't diminish the impact that these mistakes have made on those I care about the most. I take full responsibility and have committed myself to working through the pain privately with my wife and family," Gomez said. "I have and continue to sincerely apologize to my family, friends, and the people that I have the privilege to serve. I am deeply sorry to my wife for the pain and embarrassment that I have brought into our lives."

Gomez, 51, said that he planned to cooperate with the House Ethics Committee's review.

CNN reported in June that Gomez was facing scrutiny over an alleged romantic relationship he had in 2023 with an aide who worked for another member of Congress.

House rules do not bar members of Congress from having relationships with staffers who don't work directly for them. However, there has been consideration of a blanket ban on relationships between staff members and members of Congress.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told Axios that he supported such a ban, saying that such relationships were "inappropriate, as it would be in any workplace."

The Gomez investigation comes amid several high-profile scandals involving lawmakers and former lawmakers.

Earlier this month, Congressman Chuck Edwards, R-North Carolina, announced he was not seeking reelection following a House Ethics report that said he sexually harassed female staffers.

Ohio Republican Congressman Max Miller has faced abuse allegations but has continued to seek reelection. Miller and his ex-wife have been embroiled in a custody dispute, and the allegations came out as part of that process. Miller has denied the allegations.

Florida Republican Cory Mills has also faced an investigation by the House Ethics Committee for a variety of allegations including campaign finance violations, sexual misconduct, and dating violence. In July, Fox News reported that Mills was also the subject of a criminal investigation by the Justice Department, but when contacted, Mills said he knew nothing about that. Mills had denied any wrongdoing.

In April, California Democrat Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress and ended his campaign for governor after several women accused him of sexual misconduct.

The same day that Swalwell resigned from Congress, Texas Republican Tony Gonzales also announced he was resigning from Congress. Gonzales had faced scrutiny over an alleged affair with a female aide who later committed suicide.