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Former President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind North Carolina state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom as the Republican nominee for the state’s 11th Congressional District. Balkcom was selected to replace Trump-backed incumbent Rep. Chuck Edwards, who announced his withdrawal from the re-election race this month.
Trump posted his endorsement on Truth Social on Monday, declaring Balkcom an “America First Patriot” and lauding her candidacy. The former president had previously endorsed Edwards, who won the Republican primary decisively on March 3 before reversing course just months later.
Balkcom responded on X with gratitude for Trump’s backing, pledging to focus on recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, economic relief for families, and affordability initiatives in Western North Carolina. She emphasized her readiness to begin congressional work immediately.
Edwards announced his exit from the race on August 5 following the release of a House Committee on Ethics report recommending his censure. The committee found the congressman had engaged in “persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct” toward two young female staffers, documenting a pattern that included lavish gifts, appearance-related comments, and invitations to intimate dinners and vacations.
Though Edwards denied any sexual or romantic intent, the committee determined his behavior would reasonably be interpreted as such by observers. The ethics report detailed his gift-giving, complimentary notes about affection, and efforts to spend private time with the staffers.
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