Jennifer Balkcom chosen to replace Chuck Edwards in NC 11th District race

The North Carolina Republican Party has selected State Representative Jennifer Balkcom to replace incumbent Rep. Chuck Edwards in the race for the state’s 11th Congressional District. Edwards recently withdrew his re-election bid following a U.S. House Ethics Committee investigation that recommended his censure. The committee found “substantial reason to believe” that Edwards violated House rules regarding sexual harassment and the maintenance of a hostile workplace involving female staffers.

Balkcom, a legislator from Henderson County, will face Democratic nominee Jamie Ager in the November general election. The replacement comes with approximately 80 days remaining before the election. Balkcom has received endorsements from several Republican figures, including North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall and U.S. Senator Ted Budd.

The 11th District, which covers much of western North Carolina, has been held by Republicans since 2013. The upcoming contest follows a period of regional recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene and features a matchup between Balkcom and Ager, a local farmer who has significantly out-fundraised the previous incumbent.