Kevin Corbin, a Republican member of the North Carolina Senate, on short list to replace Edwards on the ballot
FRANKLIN – U.S. Rep Chuck Edwards is withdrawing from his reelection bid, he announced just before 4 a.m. today in a statement on his official Facebook page.
The House Ethics Committee recommended Monday that Edwards be censured by the full House after finding that he engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct toward two young female aides in his congressional office.
While a censure is a severe public admonition for code of conduct violations, it does not legally remove a member from office or strip away their voting power.
Edwards represents far-western North Carolina including Cherokee County.
“After much prayer, thoughtful reflection, and many conversations with my family, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from my re-election campaign. I will complete my current term,” he said.
A censure registers the House’s deep disapproval of a lawmaker’s conduct that does not meet the threshold for expulsion.
Edwards, 65, has denied that any of his conduct was intended as a sexual or romantic advance, but the committee said his behavior would “lead a reasonable observer to interpret it as such.” It also described his actions as “beyond inappropriate.”
The panel highlighted numerous examples of actions it considered improper, including Edwards providing the young women with lavish and recurrent gifts, making comments regarding their appearance and dress, inviting them to intimate dinners and vacations, and sending notes regarding his affection.
“Serving the people of Western North Carolina has been the greatest honor of my professional life,” Edwards said in . I ran for Congress with one purpose: to serve this nation, defend our Constitution, and fight for the common people living in these mountains. Every vote I have cast and every decision I have made has been guided by that commitment.“This decision has not come easily. Public service always requires sacrifice—not only from those who serve, but from their spouses, families, volunteers, and supporters. Teresa and I are profoundly grateful for the countless people who have stood beside us with their prayers, encouragement, and friendship throughout this journey.
“To every volunteer, every supporter who made a contribution, every constituent who shared their concerns, and every citizen who placed their trust in me, thank you. Your confidence has been a blessing that I will never forget.
“While my campaign is ending, my love for the people of Western North Carolina and my faith in America’s future remain as strong as ever.
“Before I close, there is one group of people who deserve recognition beyond words—my staff.
“The public often sees me, but they rarely see the dedicated men and women working long hours behind the scenes to serve our constituents. Under the dedicated leadership of Toby Douthat, our Chief of Staff, and Chris Burns, District Director and ardent friend, every day, my team answers thousands of phone calls, helps families navigate federal agencies, assists veterans, supports communities recovering from disasters, works tirelessly on legislation, and represents the people of Western North Carolina with professionalism, integrity, and compassion.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve you. May God continue to bless each of you, Western North Carolina, and the United States of America,” he said.
What next
The Democratic nominee, farmer Jamie Ager, remains in the race and sees a boosted opportunity to flip the competitive, Republican-leaning battleground district.
Political analysts and campaign observers note that the seat—which President Trump won by 9.5 points in 2024—was already tightening due to substantial fundraising by Ager, and will now face heightened volatility.
Because Edwards won the Republican primary earlier in the cycle, North Carolina election law dictates how a vacant ballot slot is filled:
- Party Committee Selection: The local Republican Party executive committee for North Carolina's 11th Congressional District will convene to select a replacement candidate to run on the GOP ticket in the upcoming November election.
- Procedural Timeline: Party leaders will scramble to iron out the logistical steps required by the North Carolina State Board of Elections to formally swap Edwards' name with the newly appointed nominee.
WLOS-TV reported political experts and Republican Party insiders saying the following people are potential candidates for the new nominee:
- Tim Moffitt, a Republican member of the North Carolina Senate.
- Jennifer Balkcom, a Republican member of the North Carolina House of Representatives.
- Jake Johnson, a Republican member of the North Carolina House of Representatives.
- Kevin Corbin, a Republican member of the North Carolina Senate.
- Ralph Hise, A Republican member of the North Carolina Senate.
Ager made the following statement on the withdrawal of Congressman Chuck Edwards from his reelection bid:
“This campaign has never been about any one person. It’s always been about Western North Carolina and our communities getting the leadership and representation we deserve. That has not changed.
“For too long, we’ve been forgotten by politicians who sell us a false bill of goods, then go to Congress to treat D.C. as their personal playground while we get left behind. My heart goes out to the young women who took these roles to serve our community.
“No matter who we face in November, I’m confident we can win this race and deliver what I’ve been talking about since day one: Hurricane Helene recovery, lower costs, and an end to the corruption in Washington.”
Ager is a fourth-generation farmer, entrepreneur, and proud son of Western North Carolina. Born in Fairview and raised on his family’s Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Ager has spent his life growing food, building community, and working with people. From a young age, Jamie was taught the values of public service, hard work, and neighborliness.
He owns Hickory Nut Gap, a sustainable meat company that today supports 25 employees and works with dozens of farmers across the region.
North Carolina Republican Party Announces Process to Fill 11th Congressional District Ballot Vacancy
Following the withdrawal, the North Carolina Republican Party will move forward with the process established under North Carolina law and the North Carolina Republican Party Plan of Organization to fill the vacancy in nomination.
The Executive Committee of North Carolina's 11th Congressional District will convene next week to select a Republican nominee for placement on the November ballot. Additional details regarding the meeting, including the date, time, and location, will be shared in the coming days.
"The people of Western North Carolina deserve a strong conservative voice on the ballot this November, and our Party is prepared to move through this process quickly and efficiently," said NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons. "The District Executive Committee will fulfill its responsibility under our rules to nominate a candidate who will fight for lower taxes, secure our border, strengthen our economy, and stand up for the values of the people of the 11th District. I am confident Republicans will unite behind our nominee and continue our work to expand our majorities in Washington."
The North Carolina Republican Party said it remains committed to a smooth and orderly nomination process and will announce the District Executive Committee's selection following the meeting.