Election 2026: Balkcom sprints toward Nov. 3 against Ager

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(The Center Square) – Late to the race and only because Rep. Chuck Edwards was ensnared in an ethics complaint, Republican congressional candidate Jennifer Balkcom is gaining endorsements – many expected from her party – in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District.

Balkcom, state House of Representatives member from Henderson County, is challenged by Fairview’s Jamie Ager on the Democrats’ ticket and Greensboro’s Travis Groo on the Libertarian ticket.

The 11th is in the mountains, from Avery to McDowell and Polk counties north-south extending to the southwestern tip of the state. It's the heart of cleanup from Hurricane Helene’s remnants coming through in September 2024.

The district was carried by Trump three times, including by 10% in 2024. Seven times by three men, the district has gone to Republicans since the 2010 win by Democratic Rep. Heath Shuler.

The seat has grown to be pivotal to majority power in the U.S. House, in part because Ager was building more strength fiscally before Edwards left the race, and in part because Edwards did leave the race. Republicans' 220-215 edge won in November 2024 is today 218-212 with one independent formerly Republican caucusing with his former party, and four vacancies.

Balkcom and Ager dueled last week in a candidate forum on agriculture. She also last week picked up the endorsement of sixth-term Republican state Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

Balkcom grew up on a farm and has professional experience as a small business owner for mortgage loans, and serving on boards for education, healthcare and infrastructure planning. Ager works about 250 acres of farmland, some owned and some leased, raising beef cattle, pigs, chickens and turkeys.

“As a Henderson County farm girl, she understands firsthand the vital role agriculture plays in our towns, our economy, and our way of life,” Troxler said. “Jennifer spent her time in the General Assembly standing up for our farmers, families, small businesses, and rural communities. She will take her mountain values to D.C., work with President Trump to rebuild western North Carolina, and make sure our government works for the people – not against them.”

Others voicing approval are also in the Republican Party and thus expected. They are led by second-term Republican President Donald Trump; House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.; House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La.; Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn.; and Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., the chairwoman of the House Majority Conference.

A statement from Johnson representing the party leaders said in part, “As a state representative and eighth generation western North Carolinian, Jennifer will bring her experience and values to Congress to protect girls’ sports, support our farmers, cut burdensome regulations, and defend the principles that have made America the greatest nation on Earth.”

Balkcom worked this session on Jones Street with Republican Reps. Donnie Loftis of Gaston County, Brian Biggs of Randolph County and Larry Potts of Davidson County on the Parents’ Medical Bill of Rights. Known also as House Bill 519, it stalled May 7, 2025, in the Senate’s rule committee following 68-41 passage – including four Democrats, though one is now independent – in the House of Representatives.

The proposal says consent from parents or guardians for minors getting medical treatment will be required before physicians can act. The legislation makes exceptions for emergency treatments needed to save a child’s life or for treatment of a child whose identity is unknown.

It also exempts treatment for suspected abuse that doctors are other health care professionals already required under North Carolina to be reported to authorities.

“One of my favorite bills,” Balkcom says. “All parents want to know about their child’s health, period.”

Ager’s endorsements include former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg; Reproductive Freedom for All; the 314 Action Fund; Democrats Work for America; and Big Tent Democrats. Three opponents in the March 3 primary cried foul when the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in February put its support behind Ager.

In the statement of endorsement from the ever-mercurial Trump, he praised her civic engagement and service to community while taking a shot at Ager.

He said, in part, Ager “is a radical left Democrat who is opposed to no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and no tax on Social Security.” He said if Ager and Democrats “ever got in, all of these things will be terminated.

“Jennifer will fight tirelessly to grow our economy, champion our amazing farmers and ranchers, cut taxes and regulations, unleash American energy dominance, promote ‘Made in the USA,’ strengthen our brave military/veterans, keep our border secure, safeguard our elections, and protect our always under siege Second Amendment.”