Attorneys for a woman who has spoken to the House Ethics Committee say their client told investigators that Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) sexually harassed and assaulted her. The allegation directly disputes Gomez's public assertion that any interaction was consensual and within ethical bounds.
The lawyers, Lisa Banks and Sarah Nesbitt of Katz Banks Kumin LLP, issued a statement Wednesday confirming that they represent one of the women who has been interviewed by the committee. They said their client detailed "her experience of sexual harassment and assault" by Gomez, contradicting the congressman's earlier remarks to The Hill that his actions "were consensual in nature and haven't violated the law or House Ethics rules."
"Contrary to Representative Gomez's assertion in his statement, his actions were not 'consensual in nature' with respect to our client," the attorneys wrote. "We fully expect that the House Committee on Ethics will come to the same conclusion in its investigation."
The committee announced Monday that it was reviewing allegations that Gomez "may have engaged in sexual misconduct in violation of the Code of Official Conduct or any other applicable standard of conduct, including engaging in inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer." The probe was first reported in June by CNN, following a New York Post report that Gomez was allegedly seen kissing a younger staffer who worked for another House Democrat in 2023.
Banks and Nesbitt framed the case as part of a broader pattern of misconduct in Congress, saying, "This is just the latest example of brazen sexual misconduct by a member of Congress. Congress must act to rein in its members who seem to believe that preying on young women working on Capitol Hill is one of the perks of their job." They pledged to continue working with the committee and their client "to ensure there is accountability for Representative Gomez and a safe path for any other survivors to come forward and share their experiences."
Gomez, who has represented California's 34th District since 2017, previously said he stands "ready to cooperate with the Ethics Committee inquiry and provide it with whatever information it might need." His office did not immediately respond to further requests for comment on Wednesday.
The case adds to a growing list of ethics investigations on Capitol Hill, including the recent censure recommendation for GOP Rep. Edwards over staff conduct, and highlights the ongoing scrutiny of lawmakers' behavior. The committee's review is ongoing, and no timeline has been set for its conclusion.
