<p>Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) has informed members of the Congressional Dads Caucus that he will not seek another term as its chairman. This decision comes as Gomez faces allegations of sexual misconduct.</p>
<p>Gomez, who is running for re-election against a progressive challenger for his California House seat, communicated his plans to step aside in a message to caucus members and in at least one individual conversation.</p>
<p>According to a source with direct knowledge, these discussions occurred prior to reports that Gomez, a married father, was seen kissing a staff member from another congressional office in 2023. He reportedly informed a caucus member of his intention to step down “months” ago, but the situation became more pronounced following the April report.</p>
<p>Gomez has been accused of sexual assault, which he denies. This allegation has led to an investigation by the House Ethics Committee, announced last week, and has caused discomfort among caucus members. The Dads Caucus was formed by Gomez and other Democrats to promote pro-family policies.</p>
<p>The office of Rep. Johnny Olszewski (D-MD), who joined the caucus last year, stated that there will be a leadership transition at their next meeting, which is expected to occur after the November elections. Olszewski and another anonymous caucus member have expressed support for Gomez stepping aside amid the ongoing ethics investigation.</p>
<p>These calls for Gomez to step down follow a report from Semafor indicating that Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) is leaving the caucus due to the investigation into Gomez.</p>
<p>Gomez secured first place in the June primary for another term representing California’s 34th District, a position he has held since 2017, but will face another Democrat, Angela Gonzales-Torres, in the November election due to the state’s jungle primary system.</p>
<p>Gomez has acknowledged making “personal mistakes outside my marriage” but maintains that he has not violated any laws or congressional rules, asserting that his actions were “consensual in nature.”</p>
<p>Last week, the leadership of the Democratic Women’s Caucus called on the House Ethics Committee to release the status of its investigation before the traditional blackout period that begins 60 days before an election.</p>