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A Progressive Voice for Rural North Carolina: Why Jamie Ager is Exactly What NC-11 Needs [1]
['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']
Date: 2025-07-30
I'm excited to share some great news from North Carolina's 11th Congressional District: Jamie Ager has officially entered the race. Having lived in this community for years and known the Ager family—I even campaigned as a kid for his grandfather, Jamie Clarke—I can tell you this is exactly the kind of progressive leader we've been waiting for.
Read the full profile: Jamie Ager enters NC-11 race with message of rural roots, business acumen - Smoky Mountain News
Real Rural Roots, Real Progressive Values
Unlike politicians who just talk about rural America, Jamie has lived it his whole life. On his fourth-generation family farm outside Fairview, he's built a thriving regenerative agriculture business spanning 250 acres with 25 local employees. If you're in the area, check out Hickory Nut Gap farm meats and their farm store—they even offer classes in regenerative agriculture.
"Our mission is to build community through agriculture," Jamie says. "What we mean by that is really looking at the opportunity for business to drive change and represent to the customer a brand story that is good for the land, good for the animals and good for the people."
Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide
Jamie addresses the divide that's hurt progressive politics, calling out the "level of condescension that comes out of urban areas for rural people." This isn't about moving center—it's about authentic progressive values that speak to everyone.
His positions are solid:
Climate Action : Federal policies rewarding sustainable farming over cheap food
: Federal policies rewarding sustainable farming over cheap food Social Safety Net : Strong support for Social Security, Medicare, and VA benefits
: Strong support for Social Security, Medicare, and VA benefits LGBTQ Rights : "We live in a great country where freedom is granted to everybody in the Constitution"
: "We live in a great country where freedom is granted to everybody in the Constitution" Reproductive Rights : Pro-choice and pro-family
: Pro-choice and pro-family Indigenous Sovereignty: Defended Cherokee rights on cannabis legalization
A Practical Progressive
Jamie's "happy warrior" approach focuses on collaboration and problem-solving. After Hurricane Helene damaged his farm, he experienced bureaucratic failures firsthand—but wants to fix government, not abandon it.
His criticism of incumbent Chuck Edwards is effective because it's measured. When Edwards failed to secure adequate hurricane relief or act on the paper mill closure costing 1,000+ jobs, Jamie's response: "I would have called the mill and asked for a meeting. What can we do to help?"
Why This Matters
Jamie proves progressive values work in rural areas. He's authentic, practical, and exactly the kind of voice that can win in a Trump +5 district.
The primary is March 3, 2026. Jamie faces Air Force veteran Moe Davis and others, but his combination of progressive values and rural authenticity makes him the candidate who can flip NC-11.
As Jamie says: "I think I win." So do I.
I can’t yet find his campaign website or his actblue page, but if I do I will come back and update it.
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