Chuck Edwards is a businessman and former local government leader who won his seat after defeating incumbent Madison Cawthorn in a contentious 2022 Republican primary. A former Henderson County commissioner and McDonald's franchise owner, Edwards positioned himself as a more traditional conservative alternative to the controversial Cawthorn, emphasizing local economic development and small business experience. He represents the mountainous western North Carolina district that includes Asheville, bringing a pragmatic approach focused on rural infrastructure needs and supporting the region's tourism economy.