From Staff Reports 

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — State Rep. Jennifer Balkcom of Hendersonville was selected by the local GOP executive committee on Aug. 10 to replace U.S. Rep.  Chuck Edwards of Flat Rock on the Nov. 3 ballot after Edwards ended his re-election bid amidst an ethics scandal.

Her nomination followed a rapid turnaround by Western North Carolina Republican leaders to secure a viable replacement for the 11th Congressional District.

Edwards announced his withdrawal from the race on Aug. 5. His exit was triggered by a U.S. House Committee on Ethics recommendation for censure as follows:

• The allegations: The committee concluded there was “substantial reason to believe” Edwards violated House rules regarding sexual harassment and maintaining a hostile workplace, citing inappropriate conduct toward two young female aides.

• The fallout: Facing pressure, Edwards opted to finish out his current congressional term, but abandoned his re-election campaign.

Because Edwards dropped out after the primary season, the North Carolina Republican Party’s 11th Congressional District Executive Committee — comprised of local county party chairs, vice chairs, and at-large members — was tasked with choosing a new nominee as follows:

• The meeting: The committee gathered at the Buncombe County Republican Party headquarters (near Sam’s Club) at 18-G Regent Park Boulevard in Asheville.

• The field: Several individuals initially vied for the nomination.

• The vote: Balkcom secured the nomination in what party leaders ultimately described as a unanimous final decision.

• Clearing the field: Balkcom emerged as a leading candidate over the weekend leading up to the vote. Other high-profile WNC conservative legislators publicly declined to enter the race, narrowing her competition.

Following are reasons why Balkcom was chosen:

• Local GOP leaders, including 11th District Republican Chair Merry Guy, cited Balkcom’s experience and established roots in the region.

• Legislative experience: Balkcom is a mortgage loan officer and farmer from Henderson County. She has served two terms in the state General Assembly, representing District 117.

• Key endorsements: She immediately secured high-level party backing, including endorsements from U.S. Sen. Ted Budd and N.C. House Speaker Destin Hall.

• Policy track record: In the state legislature, she built a strong conservative resume by sponsoring bills related to women’s safety and protection and legislation regarding foreign adversaries buying North Carolina farmland.

Following is a summary of some aspects of the current general election outlook:

• Balkcom faces a compressed timeline to build a congressional campaign from scratch. She is set to face Democratic nominee Jamie Ager, a Fairview farmer who has been campaigning.

• The funding gap: Balkcom faces a substantial financial hurdle. 

• The issues: The race is expected to focus on issues such as Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, FEMA accountability, and addressing the local cost of living