GOP picks Balkcom to run in place of Edwards for NC congressional seat
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A committee of Republicans in North Carolina’s westernmost congressional district have chosen State Rep. Jennifer Balkcom, R-Henderson, to replace US Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-Hendersonville, in the race to defend his seat against Buncombe County farmer Jamie Ager, the Democratic nominee.
Balkcom, who has served two terms in the state House, has less than 100 days until Election Day to campaign to keep the 11th District in Republican hands after the disgraced Edwards dropped his reelection bid because of misconduct with former staffers. She currently represents part of Henderson County in the legislature, and her seat in the House will be filled while she campaigns this fall.
“This race is too important to sit out,” Balkcom said in a statement. “We must hold this seat, preserve our mountain values, work with President Trump’s Administration to continue re…