Investigation escalates into married Democrat over bombshell sex claim with much-younger staffer

By SAMANTHA LOREN, US POLITICAL REPORTER Published: 22:59, 17 August 2026 | Updated: 23:00, 17 August 2026 Democratic Congressman Jimmy Gomez is facing a formal House Ethics Committee investigation over allegations of sexual misconduct, including alleged inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer. The House Ethics Committee announced Monday that it is reviewing whether Gomez 'may have engaged in sexual misconduct' in violation of the House's Code of Official Conduct or another applicable standard. The probe appears to go beyond a controversy that erupted earlier this year, when Gomez was reported to have been seen kissing a congressional aide at a 2023 gathering. The California Democrat was reportedly spotted smooching the aide outside a backyard gathering hosted by former California Representative Eric Swalwell to mark the start of the August congressional recess. According to a source cited in the initial report, the aide was sitting on the hood of a car as the pair kissed. The aide reportedly worked for another congressional office and was around two decades younger than Gomez. The Ethics Committee began contacting people after the incident was reported and subsequently learned of additional allegations of misconduct involving the congressman, according to sources. Back in June, Gomez admitted that he made 'personal mistakes' outside his marriage that caused 'real pain' to his wife and family. California Representative Jimmy Gomez with his wife Mary and their young son In 2023 Gomez was reportedly spotted kissing his aide outside a backyard gathering hosted by former Representative Eric Swalwell to mark the start of the August congressional recess  On Monday Gomez apologized to his family, friends and the people he serves, saying he was 'deeply sorry' to his wife for the pain and embarrassment he had brought into their lives  But he insisted that his actions were consensual and did not violate any laws or House ethics rules. In a statement to the Daily Mail on Monday, he again acknowledged that he had made mistakes outside his marriage years ago, saying he takes responsibility for the pain those actions caused his family. He stressed that the relationships were consensual and that, to his knowledge, his actions did not violate the law or House Ethics rules — but said that did not lessen the impact on the people closest to him. 'I take full responsibility,' he said, adding that he has been working privately with his wife and family to address the hurt caused by his actions. He said he sought professional help to repair his relationships and move forward with greater honesty, transparency and respect. The politician offered a direct apology to his family, friends and the people he serves, saying he was 'deeply sorry' to his wife for the pain and embarrassment he had brought into their lives.  'I have and continue to sincerely apologize to my family, friends, and the people that I have the privilege to serve,' Gomez said. 'I am deeply sorry to my wife for the pain and embarrassment that I have brought into our lives. Her sacrifices and support are central to my ability to serve, and I can only feel gratitude for her grace and strength.' He said he was 'fully prepared to cooperate' with the Ethics Committee and provide whatever information investigators requested. He concluded by saying he would not comment further publicly out of respect for his family and the ongoing inquiry.   The investigation comes as lawmakers prepare to consider sweeping new ethics rules that could ban members of Congress from having sexual relationships with any congressional aide— potentially closing a loophole in the current rules. Gomez is favored to win reelection against fellow Democrat Angela Gonzales-Torres in November.  He won 46% in the June 2 primary to Gonzales-Torres’ 31%, and with the district heavily Democratic, he is not considered in serious danger of losing.