North Carolina Republicans have selected State Representative Jennifer Balkcom as the new GOP nominee for the 11th Congressional District. The decision followed a meeting of regional officials held in Asheville, North Carolina, to select a replacement for the nomination.
Balkcom replaces U.S. Representative Chuck Edwards, who withdrew his re-election bid. Edwards, who originally won the Republican nomination for the district this past March, dropped out following sexual harassment allegations.
The U.S. House Ethics Committee found that Edwards fostered a hostile work environment and engaged in sexual harassment toward two female employees in his Washington, D.C. office. The investigation determined that his conduct toward young female staffers likely violated provisions in the U.S. House Code of Conduct prohibiting sexual harassment and unwanted advances. The Committee recommended that Edwards be censured.
The U.S. House investigation uncovered no evidence that Edwards engaged in sexual activity with the staffers or suggested it.
Election Outlook
In the November midterm elections, Balkcom will face Democratic nominee Jamie Ager to represent the 11th Congressional District in western North Carolina. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) had added the district to its list of targets to regain the House majority even before Edwards withdrew. Democrats believe Ager may have a chance to win the district, citing low approval ratings for President Donald Trump and frustration regarding the pace of recovery from Hurricane Helene, which devastated the region in 2024.
Our region is incredibly strong and resilient.
District Context
No House Democrat has won an election in the region since 2010. Two years ago, Donald Trump won the 11th Congressional District by 10 percentage points.
Chuck Edwards was first elected in 2022 after defeating Madison Cawthorn in the Republican primary.
Selection Process
Zach Almond, the executive director of North Carolina's Republican Party, stated that Balkcom beat five other candidates during the first round of balloting. Reports on the timing of the selection vary, with some indicating Balkcom was selected approximately 80 days before Election Day, while others state the selection occurred 85 days before the election.
The approximate window of time Balkcom has to campaign for the seat.
