U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, the North Carolina Republican accused in an ethics report of inappropriate behavior with young female staff, has withdrawn his reelection bid.
He will serve the remainder of his team.
In a 3:30 a.m. post to social media, he wrote, “After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to withdraw from my reelection campaign. I will complete my current term. Serving Western North Carolina has been the honor of my life. Thank you for your trust, prayers, and support. God bless WNC and America.”
The House of Representatives will take a vote on an ethics censure when it returns from recess. Edwards’ decision gives enough time for a new name on the ballot from Republicans, and a chance to regain footing in a district solid Republican since 2010 that had grown to be in play for Democrats.
Published reports say two-term state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom, R-Henderson, has indicated a willingness to run if asked. Any candidate stepping in late could get a fiscal boost from MAGA Inc., the super political action committee with nearly $400 million ready to be spent with candidates President Donald Trump likes.
U.S. Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., reportedly was among the first to ask Edwards to step aside. Published comments from him indicate support for doing “the right thing,” and praise as “a fighter for the people of western North Carolina.”
Jamie Ager, a farmer, is on the ballot for Democrats. His campaign is more flush than had been Edwards, with a cash on advantage after the June 30 second-quarter filing period of $2.1 million to $485,000. Edwards’ had struggled fiscally since the revelation of the investigation in May.
Republicans’ 220-215 edge in the South Wing of the Capitol won in November 2024 is today 218-212 with one independent formerly Republican caucusing with his former party, and four vacancies.
The report details interactions with two “young female staffers” that included gifts considered lavish, trips and recitation of a poem.
The report said in part, “While Representative Edwards denied that any of his conduct was intended as a sexual or romantic advance, his pattern of behavior would lead a reasonable observer to interpret it as such, including providing the young women with lavish and recurrent gifts, making comments regarding their appearance and dress, inviting them to intimate dinners and vacations, sending notes regarding his effusive affection, and inviting them to other activities as a way to spend time together.”
Other staffers for Edwards testified of an uncomfortable atmosphere. Edwards agreed he could tell.
Edwards, a parent and grandparent, owns McDonald’s franchises in Henderson, Transylvania and Haywood counties including the one where he began working as a 16-year-old while at West Henderson High. The second-term congressman previously had three terms in the state Senate.
Edwards’ district in the mountains, from Avery to McDowell and Polk counties north-south extending to the southwestern tip of the state, is in 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.
Edwards defeated Democrat Caleb Rudow 56.8%-43.2% in 2024; and Jasmine Beach-Ferrara 53.8%-44.5% in 2022, with Libertarian David Coatney (1.7%) on the ballot. The seat belonged to Republican Madison Cawthorn before Edwards, and he won in 2020 by 12.2%. Republican Mark Meadows prevailed by 20.5% in 2018, 28.2% in 2016, 25.8% in 2014 and 14.8% in 2012.
Former Tennessee quarterback and popular, three-time Swain County High state champion Heath Shuler from Bryson City was the last Democrat to win the seat in 2010.
Absentee ballots go into the mail Sept. 4 – or four weeks from this coming Friday. North Carolinians will choose a U.S. senator, all 14 members of the U.S. House, and all 170 members of the General Assembly.