New Republican WNC House candidate pushes Edwards for congressional debate in Asheville

Western North Carolina Congressman Chuck Edwards will have one debate with his primary challenger, Christian Reagan, a limit Edwards said is necessary because of his legislative schedule, but that Reagan said will disadvantage voters and him ― in part because it will take place far from most of the district's population.

Edwards, a first-term Republican from Henderson County representing the 11th Congressional District, has announced he will debate Reagan Jan. 13 in Clay County.

“I’m excited to hold my single debate in this race in a far western county where my legislative schedule does not allow me to visit nearly as often as I’d like," Edwards said in a Dec. 21 campaign news release.

"The calendar in Washington, D.C., leading up to the primary election, appears prohibitive for me to attend nearly 30 forums and debates as I did during the 2022 primary season. We have much unfinished work in D.C., and I owe it to the citizens of NC-11 to be present as required."

Reagan lives in Clay County, but said it would be better to have the single meeting in a place where voters and the media have easier access.

"I appreciate it for my local GOP club, because I think they're going to raise some money. But I just don't understand why you would not agree to another debate in Asheville," Reagan, a mortgage broker originally from Texas, said Jan. 2.

"I just think it's crazy that he's driving 2 1/2 hours to a county that borders next to Georgia with minimal population."

Reagan said if he wins the March 5 primary he would agree to two debates with the Democratic candidate Caleb Rudow, including one in Rudow's hometown of Asheville.

Contacted Jan. 2, Edwards' campaign manager Aubrey Woodard referred questions about debates to their December release in which Edwards said his record "will remain on full display" through websites, newsletters and other means.

"I am hopeful that voters match my legislative record and accomplishments against those of my opponent, they will grant me the honor of sending me back to Congress for a second term," he said.

It is typical for incumbents to limit debates or refuse them altogether during their party primaries. Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump declined primary opponents' debate requests, as so far has Joe Biden.

In 2022 when there were eight Republican 11th District candidates Edwards criticized incumbent Madison Cawthorn for limiting his debate appearances to two. But after winning the primary, Edwards agreed to only one debate with Democrat Jasmine Beach-Ferrara.

Incumbents have advantages that include name recognition and campaign cash. From 1964 to 2022 incumbents were reelected at rates that ranged from 85% to more than 98%, according to the campaign finance nonprofit tracker Open Secrets.

Facts about WNC's congressional race

March 5: Republican primary between incumbent Chuck Edwards and Christian Reagan. With one candidate, Caleb Rudow, Democrats will have no primary.

Nov. 5: General election.

15 1/2 counties: Number that will comprise the newly drawn 11th District, the state's most westerly congressional district. Included are Buncombe, Henderson and Transylvania counties.

Madison Cawthorn: The previous 11th District congressman served from 2020 to 2022. The youngest member of the U.S. House and the far-right Trump loyalist was defeated by fellow Henderson County resident Edwards after a term marked by inflammatory rhetoric and scandals.

Mark Meadows: Elected for four terms, starting in 2012. Meadows was a founder of the far-right Freedom Caucus. He became Trump's Chief of Staff and is now facing criminal charges related to attempts to stop the transfer of power after Joe Biden's election.

Heath Shuler: The last Democrat to represent the district. A former NFL quarterback and moderate from Swain County, Shuler declined to run for a fourth two-year term in 2012 after a GOP-majority state legislature drew new maps tilting the district more toward a Republican.

More: Who is running in Asheville, Buncombe 2024 primary election? See full candidate list

More: Western North Carolina Rep. Edwards tapped for powerful House Appropriations Committee

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 jburgess@citizentimes.com, 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 NC House candidate pushes for Asheville congressional debate