In November 2022, Chuck Edwards was elected to represent North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. This district encompasses 15 counties in the state’s western mountainous region. Edwards secured his seat by defeating Democratic candidate Jasmine Beach-Ferrara with 53.9% of the vote to Beach-Ferrara’s 44.4%. His victory followed a competitive Republican primary where he narrowly surpassed incumbent Madison Cawthorn, obtaining 33.4% of the primary vote. Edwards’ win in the primary was bolstered by strong performances in Buncombe and Henderson counties, the latter being his home county.
Political Path to Becoming a Congressman
Born on September 13, 1960, in Waynesville, North Carolina, Edwards began his career in the private sector. At 16, he started working at a McDonald’s in Hendersonville while attending West Henderson High School. After studying business at Blue Ridge Community College, he advanced within the McDonald’s Corporation, eventually owning multiple franchises in Henderson, Transylvania, and Haywood counties. Edwards’ political career commenced in August 2016 when he was appointed to the North Carolina State Senate, representing the 48th District after the resignation of Tom Apodaca. He was subsequently elected to three full terms, serving until January 2023. During his tenure, Edwards served on 18 committees, chairing eight, and was recognized as a diligent legislator focused on improving the lives of his constituents.
Military Service
There is no public record indicating that Congressman Chuck Edwards has served in the military.
Party Leadership Roles
While specific party leadership roles within the Republican Party are not detailed in available sources, Edwards’ commitment and work ethic were acknowledged early in his congressional career. As a freshman, he received the rare honor of being appointed to the House Appropriations Committee and the Budget Committee. On the Appropriations Committee, he serves as vice chairman of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee and is a member of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee.
Key Bills as a Congressman
During his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, Edwards has sponsored and co-sponsored several pieces of legislation. Notably, in January 2024, he introduced a bill aiming to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for the detention, inadmissibility, and removal of aliens who commit sexual assault. This legislation underscores his focus on immigration and public safety issues.
Votes and Stances on Economic Issues
Edwards has demonstrated a conservative approach to economic policy. He supported the “Midnight Rules Relief Act” (H.R. 77), which passed the House on February 12, 2025. This act allows Congress to disapprove multiple regulations en bloc that were finalized in the last days of a presidential administration, aiming to reduce regulatory burdens on businesses. Additionally, Edwards voted in favor of the “Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act” (H.R. 153) on January 14, 2025, promoting transparency in federal disaster assistance spending.
Votes and Stances on Social Issues
On social matters, Edwards has aligned with conservative positions. He voted for the “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act” (H.R. 28) on January 14, 2025, which seeks to ensure that Title IX provisions are applied based on biological sex, effectively barring transgender women and girls from participating in female sports categories. This vote reflects his stance on gender identity issues in athletics.
Votes and Stances on Immigration and Amnesty
Edwards has taken a firm stance on immigration. In January 2024, he introduced legislation to exclude non-citizens from being counted in the U.S. Census for congressional apportionment purposes, emphasizing his belief that representation should reflect the citizen population. Furthermore, he co-sponsored the “Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act” (H.R. 30), which passed the House on January 16, 2025. This bill aims to enhance penalties and enforcement against undocumented immigrants who commit acts of violence against women.
Controversial Quotes, Statements, and Actions
Edwards has been involved in some controversies during his tenure. In February 2024, he posted a photo on social media depicting a large migrant caravan, criticizing the Biden administration’s immigration policies. It was later revealed that the image was from 2018, during the Trump administration, leading to criticism over the misleading context. Additionally, in April 2024, the House Communications Standards Commission sanctioned Edwards for using taxpayer-funded communications to make personal attacks against President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, which is prohibited by federal law and House rules.
In summary, Congressman Chuck Edwards has established himself as a conservative voice in North Carolina’s 11th District, with a focus on economic deregulation, traditional social values, and stringent immigration policies. While his legislative actions resonate with his political base, some of his statements and actions have sparked controversy and debate.