Rep.Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., is blasting North Carolina's state government’s decision to boycott the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., accusing the state's Democratic governor of injecting politics into America's 250th birthday celebration.Edwards said Gov.
Josh Stein, D-N.C., chose partisanship over patriotism by declining to sponsor a booth representing the Tar Heel State, rejecting the state's explanation that budget constraints drove the decision."I think it's unbelievably unfortunate that our governor chose to not send representation from North Carolina to help celebrate such a momentous occasion and show patriotism," Edwards, who represents a large swath of western North Carolina, told Fox News Digital in an interview."But I know a lot of North Carolinians back at home, I know the folks in my district are patriots, and they certainly will be celebrating," he continued.Rep.Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., departs from the U.S.
Capitol on May 12, 2026, in Washington, D.C.(Graeme Sloan/Getty Images)DAVID MARCUS: LIBERAL ELITES SEETHE OVER AMERICA'S STATE FAIRThe state government cited fiscal issues for declining to participate in the 16-day fair, which is currently underway on the National Mall until July 10.
Every state was given exhibition space and each day features a different theme celebrating American history and culture."Our limited resources are focused on America 250 events across North Carolina, including one at the State Capitol in Raleigh on July 4," a spokesperson for the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources told The New York Times."I don't buy that at all," Edwards said when asked about the alleged budget concerns."I think it's a political statement."Fox News Digital reached out to Stein’s office for comment.Visitors walk past the West Virginia and North Carolina exhibits on the first day of the "Great American State Fair" on the National Mall on June 25, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
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