Jennifer Balkcom has been selected as the Republican nominee for North Carolina's 11th Congressional District after incumbent Rep. Chuck Edwards announced he would not seek re-election.

The North Carolina Republican Party 11th Congressional District Executive Committee appointed Balkcom on Monday, August 10th, 2026, following Edwards' withdrawal last week. Edwards stated, "After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to withdraw from my re-election campaign. I will complete my current term. Serving Western North Carolina has been the honor of my life. Thank you for your trust, prayers, and support. God bless WNC and America."

Balkcom expressed gratitude for the nomination, saying, "I'm blessed to receive the Republican nomination for the 11th Congressional District." She emphasized the need to "prevent that radical agenda from reaching our government, and that starts right here in the Eleventh District."

Zach Almond, executive director of the North Carolina Republican Party, praised Balkcom's selection, stating she "has Western North Carolina values" and a background in agriculture, banking, and finance, which would make her "a tremendous asset to Western North Carolinians in U.S. Congress."

Balkcom will face Democratic candidate Jamie Ager in the upcoming general election.

Sources