ASHEVILLE, N.C. — North Carolina State Representative Jennifer Balkcom has received the Republican nomination for the state’s 11th Congressional District, advancing her campaign to move from the state legislature to federal office.
Balkcom, a Henderson County native, small business owner and current representative for North Carolina House District 117, said her congressional campaign will focus on affordability, community safety, agriculture and the continued recovery of Western North Carolina communities affected by Hurricane Helene.
Following the nomination, Balkcom issued a statement outlining her priorities and emphasizing her longstanding ties to the region.
“I’m blessed to receive the Republican nomination for the 11th Congressional District. Western North Carolina is where I was born, raised, and chose to raise my own family. It has been an incredible honor to fight for Henderson County in Raleigh, and I will take that fight to Washington and work every single day to make life more affordable for working families, improve community safety, support our farmers, and ensure we have the resources we need to continue to recover from Hurricane Helene.
“Like many Americans, the Democrat Party left me behind when they abandoned their values and embraced extremism. We’re seeing that extremism play out across the country, as their party nominates radical socialists who want to raise taxes, open our borders, and do away with our way of life. We must prevent that radical agenda from reaching our government, and that starts right here in the Eleventh District.
“Rest assured, I will work every single day between now and Election Day to earn the votes of our friends and neighbors. Our region is incredibly strong and resilient, and I plan to be the fighter everyone who calls Western North Carolina home deserves.”
Balkcom Puts Western North Carolina Issues at Center of Campaign
Balkcom’s nomination places a sitting state legislator at the center of the Republican campaign for the 11th Congressional District. Her existing legislative district lies entirely within the congressional district, providing her with an established political base among some of the voters she is seeking to represent in Washington.
Economic pressures on households are expected to be a major theme of her campaign. Balkcom said she intends to work on making life more affordable for working families while supporting farmers and strengthening community safety.
Recovery from Hurricane Helene is another priority highlighted by Balkcom. Western North Carolina communities continue to deal with the effects of the storm, and Balkcom said she would seek to ensure the region receives the resources necessary for continued recovery.
Her nomination represents the latest step in a political career that began at the state level after years of involvement in local business and community organizations.
From Henderson County Business Owner to State Lawmaker
Jennifer Capps Balkcom has lived in Henderson County throughout her life and grew up on her family’s farm. She is also a wife, mother and small business owner.
Before entering the North Carolina General Assembly, Balkcom held several leadership positions in organizations across the region.
Her community roles included serving as Vice President of the Hendersonville Women’s Club and Vice President of the Hendersonville Lions Club. She also served as Treasurer of the Mortgage Bankers Association of Western North Carolina.
That background gave Balkcom experience in both community organizations and the regional business sector before she pursued elected office.
In 2022, Balkcom entered a competitive three-way Republican primary for North Carolina House District 117. She won the primary before going on to win the general election and secure a seat in the North Carolina House of Representatives.
State Legislative Record Shapes Congressional Bid
During her tenure in Raleigh, Balkcom has promoted a conservative policy agenda focused on lowering taxes, addressing immigration-related concerns and supporting parental involvement in education.
Her record in the General Assembly is expected to play a central role in her congressional campaign as she seeks to expand her representation from House District 117 to the broader 11th Congressional District.
The geographic overlap between the two districts could also be significant. The entirety of Balkcom’s current state House district is located within North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District, meaning voters she already represents will be part of the congressional electorate.
With the Republican nomination secured, Balkcom now moves into the next stage of the race. Her campaign has indicated that affordability, public safety, agriculture and Hurricane Helene recovery will remain among its key priorities as she seeks support from voters across Western North Carolina ahead of Election Day.
