Republicans name candidate to replace Chuck Edwards after sexual harassment investigation

North Carolina Republicans have chosen state lawmaker Jennifer Balkcom to run for Congress, replacing incumbent Chuck Edwards. Edwards recently dropped his re-election bid following a U.S. House investigation that concluded his behavior toward young female staffers likely constituted sexual harassment.

Balkcom will now compete against Democratic nominee Jamie Ager for the 11th congressional district seat in western North Carolina. Although Donald Trump secured the district by a significant margin two years ago, Democrats are hopeful Ager can capitalize on the president's low approval ratings and local frustration over the recovery from Hurricane Helene.

"I’m blessed to receive the Republican nomination for the 11th Congressional District. Western North Carolina is where I was born, raised, and chose to raise my own family," Ager stated after her nomination. "Rest assured, I will work every single day between now and Election Day to earn the votes of our friends and neighbors. Our region is incredibly strong and resilient, and I plan to be the fighter everyone who calls Western North Carolina home deserves."

Edwards, first elected in 2022, faced scrutiny after the House ethics committee found he "fostered a hostile work environment and engaged in sexual harassment" toward two female employees. The committee recommended his censure. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee had already targeted Edwards' district as a key race for regaining a House majority.

No House Democrat has won in this region since 2010. The race between Ager and Balkcom is expected to draw substantial spending from both parties and outside groups. Balkcom secured the Republican nomination over five other candidates.

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I’m blessed to receive the Republican nomination for the 11th Congressional District. Western North Carolina is where I was born, raised, and chose to raise my own family. Rest assured, I will work every single day between now and Election Day to earn the votes of our friends and neighbors. Our region is incredibly strong and resilient, and I plan to be the fighter everyone who calls Western North Carolina home deserves.