Balkcom Steps In After Edwards Exit | Raleigh News

Raleigh News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 11, 2026 · 1m

In a dramatic political shake-up, Western North Carolina’s 11th congressional district is now headed by Jennifer Balkcom, the state representative who stepped in after Chuck Edwards abruptly dropped his reelection bid amid serious ethics allegations of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. Balkcom, with a background in banking and a record supporting school vouchers, gun rights, and eliminating the state income tax, faces off against Democratic nominee Jamie Ager — a farmer with substantial campaign funds — in a tightly contested November 3rd race. With other candidates…