The House Ethics Committee announced Monday it is investigating allegations that Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez of California engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer, marking the latest in a series of misconduct inquiries facing members of Congress this session.

According to a statement from the committee, the probe will examine whether Gomez "may have engaged in sexual misconduct" in violation of House standards of conduct. The allegations center on interactions between the congressman and a staffer that reportedly occurred in 2023.

Lawyers representing a woman interviewed as part of the Ethics Committee investigation told Politico that their client's interactions with Gomez were not consensual. The attorneys characterized the alleged conduct as "sexual harassments and assaults," pushing back against Gomez's characterization of the relationship.

Gomez Denies Wrongdoing

In response to the investigation, Gomez issued a statement acknowledging "personal mistakes" but denying any violation of law or House ethics rules. "We fully expect that the House Committee on Ethics will come to the same conclusion in its investigation," a statement from his team read.

The California Democrat has represented the 34th Congressional District, which includes parts of Los Angeles, since 2017. He currently serves on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Pattern of Misconduct Probes

The Gomez investigation adds to a growing list of sexual misconduct and ethics probes confronting members of the current Congress. Earlier this month, the Ethics Committee opened an investigation into Republican Rep. Max Miller of Ohio over domestic abuse allegations. The committee also continues to examine matters involving other House members from both parties.

House Ethics Committee investigations are conducted confidentially, with the panel authorized to review allegations, interview witnesses, and subpoena documents. If the committee finds evidence of wrongdoing, it can issue sanctions ranging from letters of reproval to recommendations for expulsion, though such severe penalties are rare.

The committee's probe comes as Congress faces renewed scrutiny over workplace conduct standards following several high-profile cases in recent years. House rules explicitly prohibit sexual harassment and mandate that members and staff complete annual training on workplace conduct policies.

A spokesperson for Gomez declined to provide additional comment beyond the earlier statement, referring questions to the ongoing Ethics Committee process. The committee has not announced a timeline for completing its investigation.