Following a series of allegations of sexual harassment and subsequent investigations, North Carolina Republican Representative Chuck Edwards has withdrawn from the race for re-election. In his wake, the North Carolina GOP has chosen state lawmaker Jennifer Balkcom to replace him on the ballot for the 11th Congressional District. Edwards’ departure has left the party scrambling to fill the vacancy with only a few weeks before the election, as party members and voters react to the unexpected turn of events. The House Ethics panel had reported violations of sexual harassment policies against Edwards, leading to a recommendation for censure and prompting his decision to abandon his re-election bid.