North Carolina GOP committee picks Jennifer Balkcom to replace Rep. Chuck Edwards on November ballot

Key Points:

• Jennifer Balkcom was selected by North Carolina Republicans as the GOP nominee for the 11th Congressional District House race after Rep. Chuck Edwards withdrew amid sexual harassment allegations.
• Balkcom, a state legislator from Henderson County, will face Democrat Jamie Ager in the upcoming midterm election, with absentee ballots starting September 4, leaving her limited time to campaign.
• Balkcom received strong endorsements from key GOP figures, including North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall, who praised her conservative principles and leadership.
• Chuck Edwards, who was endorsed by former President Trump, decided not to seek re-election following a House Ethics Committee probe that found substantial reason to believe he violated rules related to sexual harassment and hostile workplace conduct, allegations he denies.
• The 11th District, previously considered likely Republican, has become more competitive as Democrats aim to flip the seat, with Ager significantly outraising Edwards and the Cook Political Report downgrading the district's rating to "Lean Republican."