From Staff Reports 

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — The Henderson County Republican Party Executive Committee on Aug. 13 selected Chelsea Walsh of Naples, N.C., as the new nominee for North Carolina House District 117.

The selection that completed a ballot shuffle in Western North Carolina occurred as follows:

• Aug. 5: U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards ended his re-election campaign for the 11th Congressional District due to an ethics investigation and its fallout.

• Aug. 10: The regional Republican committee selected incumbent state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom to replace Edwards on the congressional ballot.

• Aug. 13: Because Balkcom’s shift left her state House seat candidacy vacant, local GOP leaders met and chose Walsh.

Following is Walsh’s background:

• She is a licensed insurance agent and owner of Covenant Protection Insurance Services.

• Party role: She is the former chairwoman of the Henderson County Republican Party.

• History: She previously ran — and lost — against Balkcom for the state House seat in the 2022 Republican primary.

Next, Walsh will face Democratic nominee Lynne Russo in the general election on Nov. 3. 

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