President Donald Trump has endorsed North Carolina state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom to represent the state's 11th Congressional District, following the withdrawal of incumbent Rep. Chuck Edwards from the re-election race.
"It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot, Jennifer Balkcom, who is running to represent the wonderful people of North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District!" Trump stated in a post on Truth Social.
Balkcom, who thanked the president on X, is set to run as the new Republican nominee for the seat. She expressed gratitude for Trump's support and pledged to work with him to address community needs in Western North Carolina, including rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Helene and making life more affordable for families.
Edwards announced on August 5 that he was ending his re-election campaign. This decision came after the House Committee on Ethics released a report recommending his censure. The report detailed allegations of "persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct towards two young female staffers."
According to the ethics report, the committee found that Edwards engaged in a pattern of behavior that a reasonable observer could interpret as a sexual or romantic advance. This included providing lavish gifts, making comments about the appearance and dress of the staffers, inviting them to intimate dinners and vacations, and sending notes expressing "effusive affection."
While Edwards reportedly denied that his conduct was intended as a sexual or romantic advance, the report cited his behavior as leading to such an interpretation. Trump had previously endorsed Edwards for re-election, who secured a decisive victory in the March 3 Republican primary for the district.
