Balkom Selected to Replace Edwards on GOP Ticket for 11th District

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The 11th District Republican Party Executive Committee selected state Rep. Jennifer Balkom on Monday as its nominee to replace U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, who withdrew from the race last week.

The committee met in Asheville and heard from six nominees before voting. Balkom secured more than 50% of the votes on the first ballot, according to the district party.

The selection followed procedures set by North Carolina General Statutes and the state Republican Party’s Plan of Organization. The executive committee includes the chair and vice chair from each of the district’s 17 counties, plus 25 at-large members chosen at the district convention.

Clay County was represented by GOP Chair June West, Vice Chair Larry J. Ford and at-large member Robert Loiacono. Clay County resident Christian Reagan was among the six nominees considered.

Balkom has served three terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives. Among other measures, she introduced legislation that banned biological males from competing in girls’ sports, a bill that later passed the Legislature.

Clay County Republicans have invited Balkom to speak at the annual Clay County GOP Picnic and Candidates’ Rally on Sept. 19 and are awaiting confirmation of her attendance.