Jennifer Balkcom to replace Edwards on NC-11 ballot
Rep. Jennifer Balkcom, R-Henderson, has been selected by Republicans in western North Carolina to replace Congressman Chuck Edwards as the GOP nominee in the 11th Congressional District, setting up a November contest against Democrat Jamie Ager.
Members of the 11th Congressional District Republican Executive Committee selected Balkcom Monday evening in a first-ballot vote at the Buncombe County GOP headquarters following Edwards’ abrupt withdrawal from the race last week, after a House Ethics Committee report.
Balkcom, a two-term member of the North Carolina House, emerged as the favorite for the nomination over the weekend after several other potential candidates declined to enter the race.
Balkcom thanked Republicans for their support in a statement and said she plans to bring the same focus she has had in Raleigh to representing western North Carolina in Washington.
“I’m blessed to receive the Republican nomination for the 11th Congressional District,” Balkcom said. “Western North Carolina is where I was born, raised, and chose to raise my own family. It has been an incredible honor to fight for Henderson County in Raleigh, and I will take that fight to Washington and work every single day to make life more affordable for working families, improve community safety, support our farmers, and ensure we have the resources we need to continue to recover from Hurricane Helene.”
Balkcom, who was previously registered as a Democrat before joining the Republican Party, also framed the general election as a fight against what she described as an increasingly extreme Democratic Party.
“Like many Americans, the Democrat Party left me behind when they abandoned their values and embraced extremism,” said Balkcom. “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.”
11th Congressional District Republican Chair Merry Guy praised Balkcom as a leader who understands western North Carolina and is prepared to fight for the region in Washington.
“Rep. Jennifer Balkcom is exactly the kind of leader western North Carolina needs fighting for us in Washington,” said Guy in the press release. “She understands the people and communities of this district, and she is ready to stand up for our families, protect our values, and fight for the issues that matter most to western North Carolina. Republicans across the 11th District are ready to unite behind her and get to work winning in November.”
NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons in the release said the state party is firmly behind Balkcom and ready to unite around her campaign heading into November.
“Representative Jennifer Balkcom has what it takes to be a strong voice for Western North Carolina in Washington,” said Simmons. “She is committed to fighting for our families, defending our conservative values, and making sure Western North Carolina has a strong advocate in Congress. The NCGOP is proud to stand behind her, and we are ready to work together to deliver a Republican victory in November.”
NC House Speaker Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, endorsed Balkcom’s run, praising her conservative record and saying she is prepared to fight for western North Carolina in Congress.
I’m proud to endorse @JenBalkcom for Congress.
— Speaker Destin Hall (@ncspeakerhall) August 10, 2026
Jennifer is a principled conservative, a tireless advocate for her district, and a leader who gets things done.
I know she’ll take that same determination to DC and fight for the people of WNC.
She’s the right person at the…
US Senator Ted Budd, R-NC, endorsed Balkcom shortly after the vote.
“Jennifer Balkcom fights every day for the people of WNC, whether it’s disaster recovery, supporting farmers, or standing up for women & girls,” Budd posted on social media. “I’m endorsing Jennifer because she’ll bring the values & strength of WNC to D.C., work to grow our economy, & always stand up for NC-11.”
In announcing her candidacy ahead of Monday’s vote, Balkcom said seeking a seat in Congress had not been part of her plans.
“I hadn’t planned to go to Washington,” Balkcom wrote. “But I’ve learned throughout my life that when your community needs you, you don’t sit on the sidelines; you step up. Western North Carolina needs a strong voice right now. Our communities are still rebuilding from Hurricane Helene. Our farmers, families, and small businesses need someone who understands them. And too often, Washington simply doesn’t understand the people, values, and challenges of our mountains.”
Balkcom said her decision was driven in part by the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene and a desire to represent western North Carolina’s interests in Washington.
“So, after much prayer, reflection, and conversations with my family, I’m in,” Balkcom said. “I will seek the Republican nomination for North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District. This race is too important to sit out. We must hold this seat, preserve our mountain values, work with President Trump’s Administration to continue rebuilding Western North Carolina, and make sure Washington never forgets the people who call these mountains home.”
“Jennifer Balkcom to replace Edwards on NC-11 ballot” was originally published on www.carolinajournal.com.
