Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez of California is facing a formal House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, including claims involving a congressional staffer, as scrutiny intensifies over his conduct outside his marriage.

The House Ethics Committee announced Monday that it was reviewing whether Gomez “may have engaged in sexual misconduct” in violation of the House Code of Official Conduct or other applicable standards.

The investigation appears to extend beyond an incident reported earlier this year in which Gomez was allegedly seen kissing a congressional aide at a 2023 gathering.

Investigation follows reported incident

Gomez was reportedly seen kissing the aide outside a backyard gathering hosted by former California Rep. Eric Swalwell during the start of the August congressional recess.

According to a source cited in the initial report, the aide was sitting on the bonnet of a car when the two were seen kissing.

The aide reportedly worked for another congressional office and was around two decades younger than Gomez.

Following the report, the Ethics Committee began contacting individuals connected to the incident and later learned of additional allegations involving the congressman, according to sources cited by the Daily Mail.

The committee has not publicly detailed the specific allegations it is examining.

Gomez admits to personal mistakes

Gomez acknowledged in June that he had made “personal mistakes” outside his marriage that caused significant pain to his wife and family.

In a statement issued Monday, the congressman again accepted responsibility for his actions while maintaining that the relationships were consensual.

He said that, to his knowledge, his conduct did not violate the law or House ethics rules, while acknowledging that this did not diminish the impact on his family.

“I take full responsibility,” Gomez said, adding that he had been working privately with his wife and family to address the damage caused by his actions.

He also said he had sought professional help to repair his relationships and move forward with greater honesty and transparency.

Gomez apologised to his family, friends and constituents, saying he was “deeply sorry” to his wife for the pain and embarrassment his actions had caused.

Congressman vows to cooperate

Gomez said he was prepared to cooperate fully with the Ethics Committee and provide investigators with any information they requested.

He declined to discuss the matter further publicly, citing respect for his family and the ongoing investigation.

The inquiry comes as lawmakers consider broader changes to congressional ethics rules. Proposed measures could prohibit members of Congress from engaging in sexual relationships with congressional aides, potentially tightening restrictions around relationships that are currently not explicitly prohibited in all circumstances.

Gomez faces re-election

Despite the controversy, Gomez remains in a strong position politically in his heavily Democratic California district.

He won 46 per cent of the vote in the June 2 Democratic primary, finishing ahead of fellow Democrat Angela Gonzales-Torres, who received 31 per cent.

Gomez is considered the favourite in the November general election.

The Ethics Committee investigation could nevertheless add political pressure as the congressman seeks another term and faces questions about his conduct and compliance with congressional ethics standards.