NC Sen. Kevin Corbin won’t seek Edwards’ congressional seat in November

Longtime North Carolina state lawmaker Sen. Kevin Corbin, R-Macon, announced Wednesday evening he will not run to replace U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards on the ballot on November. Instead, he says he will continue his reelection campaign for state Senate.

Edwards withdrew from his reelection bid early Wednesday morning under pressure from Republican colleagues after a U.S. House Ethics report found evidence he had engaged in inappropriate conduct toward two women staffers in his office. Edwards has denied wrongdoing.

The NCGOP’s 11th Congressional District Executive Committee is expected to choose a replacement for Edwards within the coming week.

Edwards’ abrupt withdrawal leaves western NC Republicans scrambling

Corbin, along with Sens. Ralph Hise, R-Mitchell and Tim Moffitt, R-Henderson, were the top names floated by political observers Wednesday as potential replacements, along with several state House members.

Moffitt told NC Newsline Wednesday afternoon he is considering entering the race.

Corbin told NC Newsline earlier Wednesday he was “still processing” the news and had not decided whether to throw his hat in the ring. By the evening, he had made up his mind.

“After discussing this tremendous opportunity with my wife, Beth, and our family, and spending considerable time in prayer, I believe my work in the North Carolina Senate is not yet finished,” Corbin said in a statement.

Corbin said he has made commitments to his constituents, the Governor’s Task Force on Helene recovery, and Senate leaders who made him chairman of the chamber’s education committee.

“For that reason, I do not believe the timing is right for me to seek federal office,” Corbin said. “I am sincerely honored to have been considered and grateful to everyone who offered their confidence, encouragement and support.”