Things are getting spicy in Congress even though lawmakers are currently on their summer recess and not formally in session.
At least one House Democrat has resigned from the Congressional Dads Caucus following the announcement of a sexual misconduct investigation involving its chairman, Democratic California Rep. Jimmy Gomez.
Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Jake Auchincloss has left the caucus, according to his office, as scrutiny surrounding Gomez continues.
The voluntary congressional organization was created to advocate for policies intended to “uplift parents and children across the country.”
According to the caucus website, the group includes roughly three dozen Democratic lawmakers, most of them men, NOTUS reported.
“Yes, he has resigned from the Dads Caucus; that leadership is up to the members of the caucus,” spokesperson Georgina Burros told the outlet when asked of Auchincloss was prepared to call on Gomez to step down as chair.
Auchincloss’ photograph has since been removed from the Congressional Dads Caucus website following reporting about his departure from the group.
The Massachusetts Democrat has previously taken a hard line on questions involving the personal conduct of fellow Democrats.
Auchincloss was an early critic of former Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after damaging revelations about Platner’s past emerged during his campaign.
Auchincloss called a tattoo depicting a Nazi-associated symbol that Platner obtained before entering politics “disqualifying.”
Platner later withdrew from the Senate race after facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denied.
Rep. Jake Auchincloss on why Dems cannot accept the status quo: “If this is framed as a battle between the establishment and the DSA, the establishment will lose, and candidly, rightfully so, because Americans are angry.” pic.twitter.com/v4NAozMJq9
— Majority Democrats (@MajorityDems) August 24, 2026
The House Ethics Committee announced last week that it had opened an investigation into Gomez over allegations of sexual misconduct, including a claim that he engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with a member of his staff.
The investigation follows an April report by the New York Post alleging that Gomez was seen kissing a staffer during the summer of 2023.
Following publication of the allegations, Gomez issued an apology to his wife, family and constituents over his conduct.
The Ethics Committee’s investigation remains ongoing, and the opening of a probe does not itself establish that Gomez violated House rules or federal law.
“The Committee notes that the mere fact that it is investigating these allegations, and publicly disclosing its review, does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred,” the House Ethics Committee said in an Aug. 17 statement.
“No other public comment will be made on this matter except in accordance with Committee rules.”
Auchincloss’ departure from the Congressional Dads Caucus represents the latest political fallout from the ethics investigation surrounding Gomez.
A bipartisan group of female lawmakers has also urged the House Ethics Committee to complete and release its findings before the congressional ethics process enters its traditional 60-day pre-election blackout period ahead of the Nov. 3 elections.
The lawmakers are seeking greater transparency before voters head to the polls, arguing that the allegations against Gomez should be addressed before election-related restrictions potentially delay public action in the case.
Gomez helped establish the Congressional Dads Caucus in January 2023 alongside Democratic Reps. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Rob Menendez of New Jersey, Joaquin Castro of Texas and Joe Neguse of Colorado, as well as former New York Rep. Jamaal Bowman.
Gomez drew national attention shortly before the caucus was launched when he appeared on the House floor carrying his infant son in a baby carrier during the marathon January 2023 voting that eventually resulted in Republican Kevin McCarthy becoming House speaker.
The other founding members of the caucus did not respond when asked whether they intended to leave the organization or call on Gomez to relinquish his leadership position.
Bowman, a controversial member who himself was involved in an ethics violation for pulling a fire alarm to delay a funding vote, was reached for comment by NOTUS, he indicated that he thought Gomez should step down as well.
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