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. Like Edwards, the district is known for its strong conservative lean.
Edwards coasted to an easy re-election in 2024, defeating Democratic challenger Caleb Rudow by more than 13 points, winning 56.8 to 43.2
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.
Edwards has expressed his backing for Trump’s use of tariffs as a negotiating tool. He stated that the president’s approach aims to create a more level playing field in international trade. Edwards emphasized that the tariffs are intended to encourage other countries to agree to fairer trade deals, with the possibility of lifting the tariffs once such agreements are reached. Edwards’ positions have led to heated confrontations with constituents. At a town hall in Asheville, he faced intense backlash over his support for tariffs and DOGE. Attendees expressed concerns about job cuts in federal agencies and the potential impacts on services like education and healthcare. During a town hall in Asheville, Edwards described Trump’s tariff strategy as an “opening move” to prompt negotiations with countries like Canada. He likened the president to “the master” of the art of the deal, suggesting that tariffs are a form of leverage to achieve broader objectives, such as securing the U.S. border and addressing issues like human trafficking. Edwards has also voiced support for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative led by Elon Musk aimed at reducing federal spending by streamlining government agencies. At a contentious town hall, Edwards defended the cuts, stating that the government needed to “reinvent itself” and operate more efficiently, similar to private industries that have had to do more with fewer resources. He acknowledged that while the process might involve some mistakes, the urgency of addressing the nation’s debt justified swift action.
Party Leadership Roles
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 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 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 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.