Allegations of Misconduct
A formal sworn complaint was filed with the House Ethics Committee on September 17, 2026, by David B. Wheeler of American Muckrakers, alleging that Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) engaged in sexual relationships with three of her congressional staffers. The complaint contends that these actions represent a violation of the House Code of Conduct, which prohibits members from entering into sexual relationships with employees under their direct supervision—a rule implemented in the wake of the #MeToo movement.
The 42-page filing, as reported by American Muckrakers, details specific allegations involving former District Director Clarice Navarro Ratzlaff, current District Chief of Staff Raven Finegan, and former Chief of Staff Jeffrey D. Small. The complaint further alleges that Rep. Boebert utilized campaign funds for personal use, specifically claiming that a $5,000 payment to Ratzlaff labeled as “fundraising consulting” was fraudulent and that a subsequent $200,000 payment was “hush money” designed to prevent Ratzlaff from filing her own ethics complaint against the Congresswoman in 2025.
Denials and Public Response
Rep. Boebert has categorically denied all allegations. In a statement provided to Raw Story, Boebert stated, “I’m not a lesbian or bisexual, and I have never, ever been in any inappropriate relationship. Nor have I ever been sexually involved with any staff.”
Clarice Navarro Ratzlaff has similarly dismissed the claims, describing them to the Colorado Times Recorder as “entirely false, defamatory and beyond ridiculous.” Jayson Boebert, the Congresswoman’s ex-husband, also publicly rejected the allegations, characterizing them as “propaganda” and a “fairy tale” in comments reported by HipHopWired.
Stakes and Institutional Context
The allegations have triggered significant political scrutiny, particularly given Boebert’s public profile as a vocal defender of traditional “family values” and her history of criticizing LGBTQ rights. Critics have highlighted the perceived hypocrisy between her legislative platform and the conduct described in the complaint. The filing relies on various public records, including quarterly House disbursement statements and Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings, alongside claims from unnamed sources with direct knowledge of the events.
The House Ethics Committee is now tasked with determining whether to initiate a formal investigation into these claims. If the committee finds credible evidence of violations, it could lead to severe professional consequences for the Congresswoman, including formal reprimands or censure. As of late September 2026, the committee has not announced a specific timeline for its review process.