North Carolina Republicans selected state legislator Jennifer Balkcom as their nominee for the 11th congressional district after incumbent Chuck Edwards withdrew from the race earlier this month. Edwards stepped aside following a U.S. House ethics investigation that concluded his workplace conduct toward female staff members constituted sexual harassment.
Balkcom will compete against Democrat Jamie Ager in November’s midterm election to represent the western North Carolina district. Although the area voted for Donald Trump by a 10-point margin two years ago, Democrats see an opening for Ager due to the president’s declining approval numbers and local dissatisfaction with recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene’s 2024 impact on the region.
The ethics committee investigation found Edwards fostered a hostile work environment toward two female employees in his Washington office, determining his actions likely violated House conduct rules regarding sexual harassment and unwanted advances. No evidence emerged of sexual contact or proposals between Edwards and the staffers. The committee recommended censure before Edwards chose to exit the race.
Balkcom prevailed over five other candidates in the first round of voting during a party meeting in Asheville. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee had already identified the district as a priority pickup opportunity as Democrats seek House control, marking the first competitive race in the region since 2010.
Originally reported by Theguardian →
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