Jimmy Gomez accuser told ethics panel he assaulted her

DIRECT ANSWER: Attorneys for a woman interviewed by the House Ethics Committee say she told investigators that Rep. Jimmy Gomez sexually harassed and assaulted her, directly contradicting his claim that any contact was consensual. The California Democrat is already under an active ethics probe into sexual misconduct allegations, including inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer.

Lawyers Lisa J. Banks and Sarah E. Nesbitt disclosed the account in a Wednesday statement. Their client has not been publicly identified. The disclosure escalates a probe that became public Monday and adds pressure on a five-term Los Angeles-area congressman who is seeking reelection.

Key Takeaways

• Attorneys say a woman told the House Ethics Committee that Rep. Jimmy Gomez sexually harassed and assaulted her.
• Gomez has acknowledged "personal mistakes outside my marriage" but said his actions were consensual and did not violate law or House rules.
• The Ethics Committee opened its investigation Monday, citing allegations of inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer.
• Committee leaders stress that a public probe does not mean a violation has been found.
• The inquiry follows a New York Post report and CNN reporting that the panel was already reviewing Gomez and later learned of additional allegations.

What Did Jimmy Gomez's Accuser Tell the Ethics Committee?

Banks and Nesbitt said they represent "one of the women" interviewed by the committee about her experience with Gomez. In their statement, they said his conduct "was not 'consensual in nature' with respect to our client" and that they "fully expect" the panel will reach the same conclusion.

CNN reported it has not independently corroborated the attorneys' claims. A spokesperson for the House Ethics Committee declined to comment on the statement. It was not clear from Gomez's earlier consensual-relationship statement whether he was referring to the same woman.

How Has Rep. Jimmy Gomez Responded to the Allegations?

On Monday, Gomez said he made personal mistakes outside his marriage but maintained that his actions "were consensual in nature and haven't violated the law or House Ethics rules." He pledged to cooperate with the inquiry and provide whatever information the panel might need.

Gomez did not immediately respond Wednesday to a CNN request for comment on the attorneys' allegations. He had previously said he would not comment further while the investigation is underway, while noting the committee's disclosure "does not itself indicate that any violation occurred."

Why Is the House Ethics Committee Investigating Jimmy Gomez Now?

Chairman Michael Guest, R-Miss., and ranking member Mark DeSaulnier, D-Calif., announced Monday that the panel is reviewing whether Gomez may have violated the Code of Official Conduct, including clause 18(b) rules on inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer. House rules also prohibit "unwelcome sexual advances or conduct" toward other lawmakers or House employees.

Three sources told CNN in June that the committee was already investigating the congressman. Those sources said the panel made early outreach after a New York Post story alleged Gomez was seen kissing an aide who worked for a different member of Congress in 2023. A Gomez spokesperson told the Post at the time that the accounts were "not true" and the incident "didn't happen." While examining that claim, the panel learned of other misconduct allegations, one source said.

What Happens Next in the Jimmy Gomez Ethics Probe?

The committee emphasized that publicly disclosing an investigation "does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred." House rules bar members from sexual relationships with their own staff or aides on committees they serve, though relationships with other House staff are not automatically barred unless conduct is unwelcome.

The inquiry unfolds months after sexual misconduct cases forced other lawmakers from office and as Gomez runs for reelection. For ongoing breaking alerts across politics and markets, follow our Fintech & Crypto Alerts hub. Primary reporting is available from CNN and The New York Times.