Politics

On stage with Trump, Balkcom touts signature issue

Jennifer Balkcom speaks to a crowd gathered in Gastonia for a campaign rally..

By Bill Moss, Published: September 17, 2026

Jennifer Balkcom, the Republican nominee for the open 11th Congressional District seat, brandished her signature issue Wednesday when she appeared on stage with President Trump in a campaign appearance.

In Gastonia to boost the campaign of Michael Whatley, the former RNC chairman who is the GOP’s U.S. Senate nominee, Trump attacked Democrat Roy Cooper, defended the Iran War and pledged more Helene disaster aid — although he quipped that he’d withhold the money if Whatley loses.

In her 45 seconds of fame beside the president, Balkcom thanked Trump for “closing our borders” and “keeping us safe.”

Then, spreading her arms and raising her voice, said: “Thank you, most personally, for keeping boys and men out of women’s sports.”

A second-term state House member who was a varsity athlete at East Henderson High School, Balkcom was a primary sponsor of the bill in the Legislature that barred anyone born male from competing on girls’ teams in North Carolina schools.

“As a mom, I thank you,” she said, pivoting toward Trump. “Thank you as a woman. Thank you as a small business owner for what you’ve done for small businesses. And this Western North Carolina farm girl is going to represent us well in Washington.”

An appearance with Trump is unlikely to be as powerful a campaign boost now as it has been over the past 10 years. In polls, his popularity has plunged nationally and in North Carolina; he scored an approval rating of 44% in one recent statewide survey and 36% in another.

Democrats hoping to flip the 11th Congressional District point to a 7-point red-to-blue shift from 2016 to 2024. Two years ago, Trump won in the southwestern North Carolina district by 9 points, compared to 16 points in 2016.

Balkcom faces Democrat Jamie Ager, a fourth generation farmer from Fairview, in the Nov. 3 election.