Jamie Ager announces bid for Congress, will face at least 5 other Democrats in primary
'Rising costs hurt our businesses and our families, Medicaid insures my neighbors and my friends and now it's being ripped away, and the weather that batters us is only getting worse,' Ager said in his July 31 announcement video.
'Helping the rich get richer on the backs of hardworking Americans isn't working, and in my humble opinion, it doesn't have to be this way.'
A fourth-generation farmer, Ager, 47, will likely face at least five Democratic opponents in a primary set for March 3, 2026.
Jacob Lawrence, 26, launched his campaign July 28. Lawrence most recently worked as a project manager for a United Nations food aid program in Kenya. He is originally from Mooresville, in Iredell County, north of Charlotte.
Moe Davis, a retired Air Force colonel-turned author and podcaster, announced his bid for Congress in June. Davis, 66, ran for the same seat in 2020, losing to Republican Madison Cawthorn. Chris Harjes, a Buncombe County real estate investor and nurse practitioner, announced his run for Congress in May. Zelda Briarwood and Marcus Blankenship have also announced their bids for the seat.
The seat is typically a Republican stronghold but could prove more competitive in 2026 if voters grow more frustrated with Trump adminstration policies and cuts, which Edwards has often backed. The last Democrat to win the seat was former NFL quarterback Heath Shuler in 2006. Shuler defeated Charles Taylor, a long-time Republican member of Congress from Transylvania County.
More: US Congress seats: Another Democrat launches campaign to represent NC 11th district
More: Asheville Citizen Times staff recognized for journalism excellence in Helene coverage
Jacob Biba is the Helene recovery reporter at the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jbiba@citizentimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: US House race: Jamie Ager formally announces campaign
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