North Carolina Republicans selected state lawmaker Jennifer Balkcom as their nominee for the 11th Congressional District, replacing incumbent Rep. Chuck Edwards on the November ballot. The North Carolina GOP's Executive Committee for the district made the choice after Edwards withdrew from the race last week.
Edwards announced he would not seek a third term days after the House Ethics Committee recommended a censure. The committee found "substantial reason to believe Representative Edwards violated House Rules related to sexual harassment and hostile workplaces."
Edwards has consistently denied any wrongdoing. His attorneys submitted a 15-page response to the committee's findings, calling them "unfounded." Edwards previously labeled the allegations "baseless" and welcomed an investigation in May.
The Republican Executive Committee's action complies with state law governing candidate replacement when a withdrawal occurs late in the campaign cycle. Balkcom, who represents a state legislative district in Henderson County, now faces a condensed timeline to Election Day, less than three months away.
Absentee ballots are set to begin distribution Sept. 4, giving Balkcom only weeks to introduce herself to some voters. She announced her intention to seek the nomination just hours before the committee's decision Monday.
"This race is too important to sit out," Balkcom said Sunday. She added that Western North Carolina "needs a strong voice right now" as the region continues to rebuild after Hurricane Helene.
Balkcom's candidacy drew immediate endorsements from key state figures. North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall endorsed her Monday afternoon, calling her "the right person at the right time."
Hall described Balkcom as "a principled conservative, a tireless advocate for her district, and a leader who gets things done." The state GOP's executive director, Zachary Almond, also congratulated Balkcom following her nomination, saying he was "excited to work alongside her and her team throughout the election cycle."
Edwards, who had received an endorsement from President Donald Trump, will serve out his current term. He was first elected to the House in 2022, defeating then-Rep. Madison Cawthorn in the GOP primary. Before Cawthorn, Mark Meadows represented the district, going on to lead the House Freedom Caucus before becoming White House chief of staff during Trump's first term.
Edwards secured his seat by more than 13 percentage points in 2024. Democrats see an opportunity to flip the seat, aiming to narrow the Republican majority in the House heading into the midterm elections. Balkcom will face Jamie Ager, who won the Democratic primary in March and significantly outraised Edwards in the race.
