Who's In the Race

A Spectrum News report published Oct. 1 highlighted a disagreement over data centers between Democrat Jamie Ager and Republican Jennifer Balkcom. They face Libertarian Travis Groo in North Carolina's 11th Congressional District on Tuesday, Nov. 3. ​

Balkcom replaced Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC), who withdrew his re-election bid in August following a House Ethics Committee recommendation that he be censured over inappropriate conduct toward staffers. Edwards denies wrongdoing.

Ager operates Hickory Nut Gap Farms. Balkcom represents Henderson County in the state House and works in mortgage lending. Groo is a safety specialist and former chair of the Wake County Libertarian Party. Ager won the Democratic primary with approximately 65%. Edwards won the Republican primary with approximately 70% before withdrawing.

What They Stand For

Ager supports a one-year federal moratorium on new data centers to allow the government to study their effects on electricity demand, water resources, and surrounding communities, according to Spectrum News. His proposal would establish a nationwide pause rather than leaving individual communities to decide whether development should continue. Ager also prioritizes Hurricane Helene recovery, expanded access to health care, affordable housing, child tax credits and campaign-finance reform.

Balkcom opposes a federally imposed data-center moratorium, arguing that local governments should decide whether to temporarily restrict new facilities, according to Spectrum News. Her position would allow individual communities to impose moratoriums without requiring a nationwide pause. She has separately called for Congress to establish safeguards governing artificial intelligence.

The disagreement comes as North Carolina communities weigh concerns about data centers' electricity and water consumption, infrastructure demands and potential effects on utility bills. Balkcom also supports accelerating Hurricane Helene recovery funding and has called for ending the war in Iran as quickly as possible.

Groo supports eliminating taxes on tips and income, adopting ranked-choice voting and simplifying the citizenship process by reducing administrative barriers, according to the News & Observer.

The Money Behind the Race

Federal Election Commission filings show Ager reported $3.05 million in receipts and $2.18 million in cash on hand through June 30. Outside spending reportedly totaled approximately $963,000 as of Oct. 8, including $693,000 opposing Edwards and $270,000 supporting Ager. LCV Victory Fund reportedly spent $515,360 opposing Edwards.

Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets

The Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball rated the race Toss-up as of Sept. 25 and Sept. 29, respectively. Inside Elections rated it Lean Republican as of Oct. 2. On Kalshi, Democratic contracts reflected a 69.31% implied probability as of Oct. 8.

Edwards won approximately 54% in 2022 and 57% in 2024. Republicans won 10 of North Carolina's 14 House seats in 2024, compared with seven in 2022. Donald Trump carried North Carolina with approximately 51% in 2024.

Regular voter registration closes at 5 p.m. Oct. 9. Same-day registration is available during early voting, Oct. 15-31. Mail-ballot requests are due by 5 p.m. Oct. 20, according to the state elections board. Early voting ends at 3 p.m. Oct. 31. Election Day polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

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