Overview
- The district Republican executive committee selected state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom to replace Chuck Edwards on the November ballot on Aug. 10.
- President Trump publicly endorsed Balkcom in a Truth Social post and she thanked him on X while laying out priorities including community safety, recovery from Hurricane Helene, and lower costs for families.
- A House Committee on Ethics report found Edwards engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct toward two young staffers and recommended censure, prompting him to end his re-election bid.
- Balkcom is emphasizing a law-and-order record that includes a role in passing Iryna’s Law and is pitching herself as a local conservative with ties to Henderson County and Western North Carolina.
- Right-leaning outlets have highlighted the Trump endorsement and Balkcom’s safety message while observers say the replacement and publicity sharpen a competitive race that could help decide which party controls the U.S. House.