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Washington Today
By the People, for the People
Chuck Edwards wins Republican nomination for North Carolina's 11th Congressional District
The state senator defeated incumbent Madison Cawthorn in the GOP primary
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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Chuck Edwards, a state senator, has won the Republican nomination for the U.S. House seat in North Carolina's 11th Congressional District, defeating incumbent Madison Cawthorn in the primary election.
Why it matters
This race was closely watched as a test of former President Trump's influence within the Republican party, as he had endorsed the incumbent Cawthorn. Edwards' victory suggests a shift away from some of the more controversial figures in the GOP.
The details
Edwards, a small business owner and three-term state senator, campaigned on a platform of conservative values and fiscal responsibility. He positioned himself as a more traditional Republican alternative to the first-term Cawthorn, who had drawn criticism for a series of scandals and headline-grabbing statements.
- The Republican primary election was held on March 3, 2026.
The players
Chuck Edwards
A three-term state senator and small business owner who won the Republican nomination for North Carolina's 11th Congressional District.
Madison Cawthorn
The incumbent Republican representative for North Carolina's 11th Congressional District, who was defeated by Edwards in the primary election.
What they’re saying
“This victory is a testament to the hard work of our campaign and the values of the people of Western North Carolina.”
— Chuck Edwards, Republican nominee (eagletribune.com)
What’s next
Edwards will now advance to the general election in November 2026 to face the Democratic nominee for the 11th Congressional District seat.
The takeaway
Edwards' win over the Trump-backed Cawthorn suggests a shift within the Republican party towards more traditional conservative candidates, potentially signaling a move away from some of the more controversial figures that have gained prominence in recent years.
