Rep. Jimmy Gomez under sexual misconduct investigation

The New York Post reported in April that Gomez, a married five-term congressman, was seen in 2023 kissing a significantly younger staffer who worked for another congressional office. CNN later reported that the House Ethics Committee uncovered additional allegations of sexual misconduct involving Gomez.

In a statement Monday, Gomez acknowledged making “personal mistakes outside my marriage,” while insisting that his “actions were consensual in nature and haven’t violated the law or House Ethics rules.”

Guest and DeSaulnier emphasized that publicly announcing the investigation “does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred.”

Gomez said he remains “confident that a full and impartial review of the facts will bear that out.” He also said he is prepared to cooperate fully with the Ethics Committee and provide any information requested.

If the committee determines that the allegations have merit, it has several options available, including recommending a reprimand, censure or removal from Congress. It can also refer potential criminal conduct to the Justice Department.

Gomez represents California’s 34th Congressional District, which includes areas from Koreatown to Eagle Rock. He is facing a November election challenge from fellow Democrat Angela Gonzales-Torres, who has received support from the progressive group Justice Democrats.

Gomez won 46% of the vote in the June primary, compared with 30% for Gonzales-Torres.

Gonzales-Torres has repeatedly criticized Gomez over his previous support from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC.

Following news of the ethics investigation, she criticized Gomez in a statement to The Times.

**“At a time when working families are struggling the most, we need to get creeps out of office,” **she said, arguing that voters need representatives focused on issues such as Medicare for All rather than politicians facing scandals and investigations.

Gomez was also a friend and political ally of former California Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Dublin, who resigned from Congress earlier this year and suspended his campaign for governor after multiple women accused him of sexual assault. Gomez previously served as a co-chair of Swalwell’s campaign.

The reported 2023 incident involving Gomez took place at a party hosted by Swalwell.

Gomez is married to Mary Hodge, a former senior aide to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. The couple have a son, whom Gomez carried in a baby carrier during the lengthy House speaker election in 2023.

That same year, Gomez founded the Congressional Dads Caucus, which has supported expanded child tax credits and other policies aimed at helping parents.

In his statement, Gomez also apologized to his wife.

“I am deeply sorry to my wife for the pain and embarrassment that I have brought into our lives,” he said, adding that her support and sacrifices have been essential to his ability to serve in Congress.