“I’ve been humbled by the incredible support we have received from every county here in the mountains since announcing earlier this year. Chuck Edwards has failed to lead Western North Carolina during the most challenging period in our recent history. From failing to deliver during Helene recovery, to selling out farmers, to cutting crucial benefits folks here rely on - it’s clear that Chuck Edwards isn’t cut out to represent us in Congress.“ ​(Press release, 12/1/25)

​

“I know firsthand the stress many small business owners and families face - navigating health insurance, making payroll, managing cash flow, and contending with rising costs. I understand why people feel abandoned by both parties, and I’m running to make sure no one feels unseen.“ ​(Campaign web site)​

​

To hear directly from candidate Ager, watch this short video:

How You Run a Farm | Jamie Ager for Congress

​​​

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE

Jamie Ager is a fourth-generation farmer and entrepreneur. He was born and grew up living and working on his family’s farm in Western North Carolina. Community service and politics have long been part of Ager’s life.  His grandfather served in Congress and both his father and brother were in the state legislature.

 

Ager is a graduate of Warren Wilson College with a BS in Environmental Studies with concentrations in sustainable agriculture and history. He participated in an Agriculture Leadership Development Program at North Carolina State University.

 

Ager and his wife Amy run Hickory Nut Gap, a sustainable meat company supporting 25 employees and working with dozens of farmers in Western North Carolina. They have three sons.

  

ON THE ISSUES

Ager is concerned that bureaucracies are too slow and cumbersome in responding to the needs of the residents of Western North Carolina.  For example, he is critical of the Department of Homeland Security’s poor handling of hurricane relief and with its immigration policies and operations.

 

As detailed on his campaign website, his priorities in Congress will be:

​

• cutting bureaucratic red tape in disaster relief programs

• making quality healthcare accessible and affordable to rural Americans

• reducing costs and increasing wages

• stopping insider stock trading by members of Congress

 

POLITICS IN NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina has voted for the Republican candidate in all but one presidential election since 1980. The exception was Obama in 2008. Both US senators are Republicans and only four of the state’s 14 House delegates are Democrats.

 

Ager’s opponent is incumbent Republican Representative Chuck Edwards. He was first elected to Congress in ‘22 and re-elected in ‘24 with 57% of the vote in a district Trump carried with 54%. A strong Trump supporter, Edwards has sponsored legislation to keep immigrants from being counted in the census. He stopped conducting in-person town hall meetings in 2025 following verbal attacks at prior meetings.

 

The race is currently rated Lean R by Sabato's Crystal Ball, Likely R by the Cook Political Report. and Likely Republican by Inside Elections. Both Cook and Inside Elections previously rated it Solid R. Such changes likely reflect Ager’s strong candidacy and recent public opinion shifts away from Trump impacting the competitiveness of the race in Ager’s favor.