Chuck Edwards wins WNC House GOP primary on Super Tuesday; Asheville area in district
One-term Congressman Chuck Edwards has easily fended off a Republican primary challenger who sought to position himself to Edwards' right, labeling himself the America First candidate and seeking to paint the incumbent as part of the political establishment.
Edwards, 63, a bootstrap-story McDonald's franchise owner and veteran state legislator with a coveted seat on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, has beaten Clay County cowboy hat-wearing mortgage broker and political newcomer Christian Reagan, 61, in the primary contest for the 11th District. Results remain unofficial until votes are checked — or "canvassed" — by local officials on March 15.
At 10:25 p.m. March 5 with 83% of 2,659 precincts reporting Edwards had 66,475 votes or 69% to Reagan's 29,982 or 31%.
"The people of North Carolina's 11th congressional district have spoken, and I am so incredibly honored," said Edwards in a video he recorded in Washington where he said he remained during the primary because of congressional voting.
Edwards said primaries can and should make people uncomfortable.
"Because this is the process that we should use to determine who can best stand up to the tough tasks of fighting for our futures, our economic freedoms, liberties and protecting this remarkable land that we call America. And to defend us, unfortunately, too many times from our very own government, from the chaos in Washington and from the immoral forces and enemies of Democracy that are motivated now more than ever to destroy America as we know and as we love it."
Edwards will face Caleb Rudow, a Democratic state legislator from Asheville, in the Nov. 5 general election.
Speaking to the Citizen Times, Reagan congratulated Edwards but said he feared the country was on the brink of a severe economic downturn and terrorist attacks made possible by large numbers of people crossing the southern border.
"I've said this before: 2024 is the last best hope for America and I'm fearful for the future of our country. I wish Edwards congratulations. He beat me badly. But he has got to gain some urgency regarding the major issues of this country. He has to. And if he doesn't, we're in trouble," Reagan said.
The 11th District, which was newly redrawn by the GOP-led state legislature, will include 15 and one-half counties, including Madison, Edwards' home county of Henderson, and Buncombe whose seat is Asheville. The 11th is the most westerly of the state's 14 congressional districts. The majority of the state's districts, including the 11th, favor Republican candidates after the General Assembly's redrawing.
Edwards won every county March 5, including Reagan's home Clay County 58% to 42%. In Henderson where Edwards lives in the town of Flat Rock, he won 71% to 29%.
Edwards was a three-term state senator before coming to Congress. He did that, in part by defeating one-term Rep. Madison Cawthorn, a fellow Henderson County Republican, in the 2022 primary. Cawthorn was known for inflammatory statements and scandals, such as being stopped twice trying to get on a plane with a gun and being fined by the ethics committee.
Edwards has emphasized constituent service and legislation and worked to steer clear of missteps. In one instance that he failed Edwards mistakenly used a Trump-era photo of migrants massed at the border to criticize President Joe Biden. Last month Henderson Democrats filed a complaint saying Edwards misused a taxpayer funded mailing program. But on March 1 he was cleared by the bi-partisan Communications Standards Commission.
While the state was host of a Republican free-for-all, with four House primaries drawing 31 GOP candidates, the 11th was a tamer ? and more lopsided affair.
Reagan relied on a name that one political expert said was the best in Republican politics, plastering it on road signs across WNC. But he failed to articulate a reason for primary voters to leave Edwards in favor a new candidate. Both named immigration and government spending as top issues. Both also voiced strong support for former president and now presidential candidate Donald Trump. Some daylight appeared between the two on Ukraine aid. Edwards has said he supported continuing to help the country fight Russia, though at one point wanted to use the aid as leverage for a bi-partisan border bill that Trump later told Republicans to drop. Reagan said he does not support any aid for Ukraine.
Reagan's campaign did not turn negative, though he did go after Edwards on various occasions, calling him in their one debate in Clay County a member of the "elite." Edwards, who experienced poverty as a child before becoming an owner of multiple McDonald's franchises and a real estate investment business, took offense. Reagan withdrew the comment, though later said meant to say Edwards was a member of the political establishment.
In terms of campaign money, Edwards outraised Reagan almost 30 to 1.
One Reagan supporter, Martha Lozano, 73, of Buncombe County, said his newness to politics is what made her back him.
"He's fresh. This guy's never been in politics. I heard him a few times and I'm gonna give him a chance. Instead of the same people voting for the same causes," Lozano said.
But Brett Callaway, chair of the Henderson County GOP, said voters liked a combination of things when it came to Edwards. That included his deep family roots in WNC, his near-unprecedented appointment as a freshman to high-profile committees, such as oversight and appropriations and his dedication to helping residents deal with personal difficulties they are facing with federal services.
One unusual way Edwards has done that is through a mobile "Carolina Cruiser" constituent service office.
"I've heard a lot of positive comments on his mobile unit where he can serve his district. That is pretty innovative. It that reflects on his business savvy and innovation," Callaway said.
More: North Carolina presidential primary results since 2008
Southern Democrat vs. MAGA Republican: Why NC governor race is a defining contest for 2024
Joel Burgess has lived in WNC for more than 20 years, covering politics, government and other news. He's written award-winning stories on topics ranging from gerrymandering to police use of force. Got a tip? Contact Burgess at [email protected], 828-713-1095 or on Twitter @AVLreporter. Please help support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Western N.C., Asheville House primary won by Edwards on Super Tuesday
