Politics

Candidate for Balkcom's seat emphasizes farm background

Linda Odom Pryor announced her interest in the House 117 seat made open when GOP leaders chose Jennifer Balkcom as the 11th Congressional District nominee.

By Bill Moss, Published: August 11, 2026

After a week of uncertainty, the last piece could fall in place within days to complete the ballot for voters in Henderson County and the region.

The morning after state Rep. Jennifer Capps Balkcom was chosen to be the Republican nominee for the 11th Congressional District seat made open by Congressman Chuck Edwards's re-election withdrawal, Linda Odom Pryor announced her interest in replacing Balkcom in the state House.

"I’m not a politician, I’m a farmer, a businesswoman, a wife and mother who understands what it means to work hard, solve problems, communicate with everyone, and be accountable," Pryor said in a text message sent to the Lightning early Tuesday.

The Henderson County Republican Party executive committee meets at 6 p.m. Thursday to choose a nominee. It was not clear on Tuesday whether anyone else had expressed interest in the House District 117 seat.

Pryor, who raises apples, hay, corn and cattle along with her husband on their Edneyville farm, has been active in the public service and outreach arm of the State Farm Bureau locally and statewide and in the farmland preservation that's now resulted in a $20 million ag preservation bond on the Nov. 3 ballot.
"Growing up in Bat Cave and now living in Edneyville, my life and career have been built in our community," she said. "Along the way, volunteer service has been a constant in my life. From helping neighbors after Helene tore through our area to mentoring Henderson County Public School students through the Pathfinders program, I have always believed we have an obligation to give back, to use our time, talents, and experiences to leave our community better than we found it.
"I believe in conservative principles: limited and accountable government, fiscal responsibility, individual freedoms, strong families, and protecting the values and way of life that make Henderson County such a special place."

She thanked those who have reached out to encourage and support her bid.
"To those of you who don’t know me yet, I look forward to meeting you, learning about you, and earning your vote," she said. "My roots may be in agriculture, but my commitment is to every person who calls District 117 home."