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'I’m in, ' Balkcom says as field narrows for 11th District nomination

By Bill Moss, Published: August 10, 2026

After the withdrawal of state Sen. Tim Moffitt from consideration to run for Congress, Henderson County's Jennifer Capps Balkcom emerged on Sunday as one of a handful of candidates who could be chosen as the Republican nominee on the Nov. 3 ballot.

WLOS-TV reported on Sunday that NCGOP executive director Zach Almond confirmed that Balkcom, Ken McKim, Chad Nesbitt, Matthew Burrill and Kristie Sluder were among candidates expected to make a bid for the nomination when the GOP's 11th Congressional District Committee meets on Monday night.

Balkcom confirmed her interest in a run for Congress in a message to the Lightning Sunday night.

Balkcom said:

"For eight generations, my family has called Western North Carolina home," she said. "My roots run deep in these mountains, and the people, values, and way of life here are woven into every part of who I am. Serving the people of Western North Carolina in the State House has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

"I’m grateful for the outpouring of encouragement I’ve received to pursue the Republican nomination for North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District. I hadn’t planned to go to Washington. But I’ve learned throughout my life that when your community needs you, you don’t sit on the sidelines; you step up.

"Western North Carolina needs a strong voice right now. Our communities are still rebuilding from Hurricane Helene. Our farmers, families, and small businesses need someone who understands them. And too often, Washington simply doesn’t understand the people, values, and challenges of our mountains. So, after much prayer, reflection, and conversations with my family, I’m in. I will seek the Republican nomination for North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District.

"This race is too important to sit out. We must hold this seat, preserve our mountain values, work with President Trump’s Administration to continue rebuilding Western North Carolina, and make sure Washington never forgets the people who call these mountains home.

"I’m a Henderson County farm girl. I know what it means to work hard, fight for what you believe in, and protect something so the next generation can inherit it. Those roots are why I fight so hard for this place - because Western North Carolina isn’t just where I live. It’s home. Western North Carolina is worth fighting for, and I'm ready to get to work."

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