House Ethics Committee reviews sexual misconduct allegations against Rep. Jimmy Gomez

The U.S. House of Representatives Ethics Committee has opened a review into allegations that Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., engaged in sexual misconduct, including inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer, the committee announced Monday.

In a statement, Chairman Michael Guest, R-Miss., and ranking member Mark DeSaulnier, D-Calif., said the committee is examining whether Gomez violated the House Code of Official Conduct or other applicable standards.

The committee specifically said the allegations include possible inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer in violation of a House rule governing sexual relationships between members and certain congressional employees.

The panel stressed that opening the review does not mean Gomez committed any violation.

“The mere fact that it is investigating these allegations, and publicly disclosing its review, does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred,” the committee said.

The committee said it would make no further public comment on the matter except as permitted under its rules.