North Carolina farmer Jamie Ager is joining the race for North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District in 2026.
Running as a Democrat, Ager is joining a crowded field of Democratic candidates, including Zelda Briarwood, Morris Davis, Chris Harjes, and Jacob Lawrence, who are all seeking to replace incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards.
Ager is a fourth-generation farmer and entrepreneur, and is the grandson of James M. Clarke, a former Democratic North Carolina state Representative who also served the 11th District from 1982 until 1990 when he retired after losing a reelection bid.
Ager’s father, John, also served as a state representative, while his brother, Eric, is currently a member of the North Carolina House.
“My granddad, Jamie Clarke, served western North Carolina in the U.S. Congress and the state legislature, balancing running the farm with working for the people in office,” Ager states on his campaign website. “In fact, he was instrumental in helping to shape early programs like Medicare and Medicaid. I watched those values play out not in politics, but in the lives of our neighbors.”
A resident of Fairview, approximately 10 miles outside Asheville, North Carolina, which was hit hard by Hurricane Helene in 2024, Ager said he understands the stress families and small business owners face in an economy with rising costs.
“I understand why people feel abandoned by both parties, and I’m running to make sure no one feels unseen,” Ager said. “In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, our community was tested in ways we’d never imagined. Our family lost power and water for weeks, fences were destroyed, livestock scattered, and communication lines were down. But when things were bad, our neighbors showed up and strangers lent a hand.”
The Democratic Primary is in March, with the General Election next November. Incumbent Republican Edwards faced heavy scrutiny after disgruntled constituents booed him at a Townhall in March, which led to security escorting the lawmaker from the building, according to ABC News.
Voters were unhappy with sweeping cuts made by the Trump administration and an Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency, with thousands of workers laid off across the federal workforce, including Veteran Affairs, the IRS and the Department of Education.
The 11th District includes Avery, Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Swain, Transylvania, Yancey and some of Polk County.
The district has a distinct Republican advantage, with nearly 33% of the district’s electorate registered to the GOP with less than 25% Democrats, according to the most recent L2 voter data.
