Meet U.S. House Candidate
Jamie Ager
North Carolina 11
Challenger
Why This Race Matters
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 state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom. She was selected by Republican party leaders to replace incumbent Rep. Chuck Edwards who suspended his campaign in August after the Ethics Committee recommended that the U.S. House of Representatives censure him in light of multiple sexual misconduct allegations. Balkcom was elected to her current start seat in 2022. She faces the task of introducing herself to a sprawling District with little cash on hand in a very truncated campaign - a situation favorable to Ager.
The race is rated Lean Republican by Cook Political Report and Toss-up by Sabato’s Crystal Ball.
Background + 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
“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."