News

Apodaca endorses Chuck Edwards for his seat

By Lightning Reports, Published: March 4, 2016

Retiring State Sen. Tom Apodaca (R-Henderson) on Thursday endorsed Chuck Edwards in the Republican primary for Senate District 48 — the seat Apodaca has held since 2003.

Apodaca, the Senate Rules Chairman who helped build the first Republican State Senate majority in over a century, cited Edwards’ experience running a small business, public service in the community, and Western North Carolina roots.

“I know Chuck Edwards is a great businessman and a no-nonsense, principled conservative who will use decades of private-sector experience to fight for Western North Carolina and solve problems in Raleigh,” Apodaca said. “We desperately need more leaders with Chuck’s mountain values and real-world leadership in public office. Lisa and I look forward to voting for Chuck Edwards on March 15.”

Edwards, who has lived in Henderson County for more than four decades, worked his way up from a cook at McDonald’s and now owns seven franchises with nearly 400 employees. He has served on the boards of various local charities and nonprofit organizations. This is his first campaign for political office.

“Tom has set an incredibly high bar. He’s been a fierce advocate for this community and all of Western NorthCarolina,” Edwards said. “I’m grateful for his service, and it’s a real honor to have his support in this campaign.”