Trump endorses Balkcom for NC-11 in Truth Social post | Eastern NC Now

    Publisher's Note: This post appears here courtesy of the Carolina Journal. The author of this post is Katherine Zehnder.

    On Aug. 17, President Donald J. Trump endorsed state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom, R-Henderson, who Republicans recently tapped to replace US Rep. Chuck Edwards on the ballot, to represent NC-11 in the upcoming 2026 mid-term election.

    Trump endorsed Balkcom in a Truth Social post at about 8pm on Aug. 17.

    Balkcom thanked Trump for his endorsement in an X post about an hour later that same evening.

    "In Congress, I'll work with you to continue rebuilding WNC after Helene, deliver real results for our communities, and fight to make life more affordable for hardworking families," wrote Balkcom. "I'm ready to get to work."

    On Aug. 10, the Republican executive committee for the district selected Balkcom to serve as Edwards' replacement in the November 2026 general election. Edwards announced days earlier that he would not be seeking re-election following a report from the House Ethics Committee finding him to be guilty of violating the House Code of Official Conduct regarding the prohibition of sexual harassment.

    This report followed an ethics investigation into Edwards, which was initially announced in May.

    Reports also show that Edwards allegedly used campaign funds on a Vegas trip with a female staffer.

    Text messages between Edwards and his staffer, which the committee released, indicate when Edwards booked the flights to Vegas. According to the News & Observer, the dates match recorded flights listed in his campaign finance reports.

    Edwards was initially under investigation by the House Ethics Committee regarding reports of an inappropriate relationship with two young female staffers in his office.

    While Edwards denied that his behavior was a romantic or sexual advance, the report concluded that he inappropriately lavished the women with expensive and recurring gifts, like jewelry, pink guns, and roses; commenting on their appearance and attire; sending notes of affection; and inviting them to intimate dinners and vacations.