North Carolina state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom has been named the Republican nominee for the state's 11th Congressional District, a position she will seek following the abrupt withdrawal of incumbent Rep. Chuck Edwards from his re-election campaign.
The North Carolina Republican Party 11th Congressional District Executive Committee announced Balkcom's selection on Monday. U.S. Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., and U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy, R-N.C., have publicly endorsed Balkcom for the nomination.
Edwards, who had previously won the Republican primary, announced his decision to end his re-election campaign last week, stating he would complete his current term. This decision followed the release of a report from the House Committee on Ethics that recommended censuring him. According to the report, the committee found that Edwards had "engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct towards two young female staffers." The report detailed a pattern of behavior, including providing gifts, making comments about appearance, and extending invitations for intimate dinners and vacations, which a reasonable observer could interpret as sexual or romantic advances, despite Edwards' denial of such intent.
Balkcom expressed gratitude for the nomination, stating, "I'm blessed to receive the Republican nomination for the 11th Congressional District." She further commented on the political climate, saying, "Like many Americans, the Democrat Party left me behind when they abandoned their values and embraced extremism. We're seeing that extremism play out across the country, as their party nominates radical socialists who want to raise taxes, open our borders, and do away with our way of life. We must prevent that radical agenda from reaching our government, and that starts right here in the Eleventh District."
North Carolina Republican Party executive director Zach Almond told Fox News Digital that the party is "very pleased" with Balkcom's selection. "Jennifer has Western North Carolina values," Almond stated, adding that her background in "ag, banking and finance" would make her a "tremendous asset to Western North Carolinians in U.S. Congress."
Balkcom is set to face Democratic candidate Jamie Ager in the general election.
