The North Carolina Republican Party has chosen state GOP Representative Jennifer Balkcom to replace Chuck Edwards on the ballot for the North Carolina 11th Congressional District. Edwards withdrew from the race following allegations of sexual misconduct. After other potential candidates, including Army veteran Adam Smith and state Senator Tim Moffitt, declined to run, the party's executive committee unified behind Balkcom's candidacy.
Balkcom previously served in the North Carolina House of Representatives for District 117 in Henderson County and will be on the ballot in the upcoming November election. In a statement, Balkcom expressed her commitment to working diligently to earn the support of voters in her community. She noted that she initially intended to support Moffitt but decided to enter the race after he opted out.
Balkcom faces a challenging campaign, as she has only 85 days until the general election and will compete against Democratic nominee Jamie Ager, who has held the nomination since March. Additionally, North Carolina law requires candidates to choose one race, meaning Balkcom must withdraw from her state House race, prompting the need for state Republicans to find a replacement for her position.