James "Jamie" AgerJames "Jamie" Ager

As WNC continues rebuilding after Hurricane Helene, Jamie will cut red tape and fight tirelessly to ensure federal recovery dollars go directly to local families, small businesses, and damaged municipal infrastructure—holding Washington accountable to the promises made to mountain communities.

Well-known farmer and businessman Jamie Ager won the Democratic primary in this western North Carolina district that has been trending toward Democrats for a decade. With the slow pace of federal Hurricane Helene aid fueling deep frustration with Republicans, 2026 is Democrats' best shot yet at flipping this seat. Ager’s family has a long history in North Carolina politics and incumbent Rep. Chuck Edwards suspended his campaign because of a House Ethics Committee investigation into sexual misconduct allegations. Republicans have chosen state representative Jennifer Balkcom to replace him on the ballot, but she has less than three months to put together a real campaign.

A proud son of Western North Carolina and fourth-generation farmer, Jamie Ager grew up on his family farm, Hickory Nut Gap. Together, he and his wife built his family farm into a successful, sustainable small business. Jamie has never hesitated to help his neighbors. After Hurricane Helene, Jamie opened up his home and his farm to make sure those in need had a safe place to stay and food to eat — and when the time came, Jamie helped his neighbors repair their homes with his very own hands. While North Carolina Republicans deal with one disgraced candidate after another, Jamie has been building a coalition of working families, farmers, and community leaders to finally give Western North Carolina the principled leadership they deserve.

leaders with integrity, leaders with heart, leaders who are connected to a sense of place.

I know Jamie very, very well. He's the real deal...authentic, local, relatable, honest. He cares deeply about his constituents. His top issues are cost of living, Helene recovery, and restoring faith in government by making it work better for more people.