First Amendment Republican politics McDonald's SNAP benefits food assistance Chuck Edwards North Carolina politics Leslie Boyd Congress ethics constituent rights

Republican Congressman Chuck Edwards, a second-term representative from North Carolina, has banned a constituent from six McDonald’s franchises he owns after she protested his vote to cut SNAP benefits.

Leslie Boyd, a constituent of Edwards, received a letter informing her that she was now banned from all six franchises. The incident has drawn significant attention, with critics questioning the ethics of a lawmaker using private business to retaliate against a constituent.

Edwards, who represents North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District, has been in office since 2023 and owns multiple McDonald’s locations in the state. His vote to reduce SNAP benefits—a federal program providing food assistance to low-income individuals—sparked Boyd’s protest, which she expressed publicly.

In response to the ban, Boyd told The Assembly’s Jessica Wakeman, “I was shocked and appalled. It’s unethical for a public official to use their business to punish someone for exercising their First Amendment rights.”

Edwards has not publicly commented on the ban or the reasons behind it. The franchises in question are located in Hendersonville, Brevard, and Waynesville, North Carolina, according to Boyd’s account.

Critics argue that Edwards’ actions set a dangerous precedent, blurring the lines between personal business interests and public service. The ban has reignited debates about the responsibilities of elected officials and the ethical boundaries of their private enterprises.

Source: Mother Jones
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