Rep. Chuck Edwards told a 20-something female staffer it was "disappointing to feel something that used to be easy has gotten complicated" after she did not want to have dinner with him in May 2025, according to a text exchange reviewed by Axios.
Why it matters: The female staffer complained about Edwards' behavior and was worried about retaliation from the congressman. In addition to text messages, Axios reviewed photographs and interviewed four sources familiar with the interactions. The sources requested anonymity to protect against retaliation.