Jamie Ager

Jamie Ager is a fifth-generation Fairview farmer and the CEO of Hickory Nut Gap Farm. He is the Democratic nominee in a district Republicans have held for seven terms. Cook Political Report rates the race a toss-up after Republican Chuck Edwards dropped his bid in August and local Republicans picked state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom to replace him.

On the ballot against Jennifer Balkcom (R)

Why it matters: Republicans have held this western North Carolina seat for seven terms, and Trump carried it with 54.2% in 2024, so a Democratic win here would be a notable pickup in the fight for House control.

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The race at a glance

Race ratingToss-upCook Political Report, Oct 26 source

Latest poll Ager 56% 43% Balkcom Emerson College, Oct 12-14, 2026, 388 LV. source

Money raised (through Sep 30) Ager$5,090,000 Balkcom$355,000 source

In Jamie's own words

I don't care what political party you're in as long as you care and are earnest in your attempt to help your community.

Jamie Ager, Ager on his nonpartisan approach to campaigning, as reported by Smoky Mountain News, Oct 21 source

I've been running for Congress now for about 18 dang months, and I feel good

Jamie Ager, Ager at an Oct. 13 rally in Asheville, just before early voting began, Oct 13 source

Where Jamie stands

Hurricane Helene recovery: He says securing promised recovery funds for western North Carolina is his top priority and wants to cut red tape to get money to communities and small businesses. source
Health care: He would defend Medicare's power to negotiate drug prices, keep insulin capped, push for a public option, and protect Medicaid and Social Security. source
Cost of living: He backs more housing for owners and renters, expanded child tax credits and childcare grants, no tax on tips, and action against monopolization. source
Corruption and ethics: He supports banning stock trading by members of Congress, campaign finance reform to limit dark money, and stronger ethics rules. source

The record

Fifth-generation farmer and CEO of Hickory Nut Gap Farm in Fairview. He and his wife, Amy, built it into a sustainable meat company that employs 25 people.
Graduated from Warren Wilson College with degrees in Environmental Studies and History. He had not run for office before this campaign.
His maternal grandfather, Jamie Clarke, represented the district in Congress in the 1980s and early 1990s. His father served in the state House, and his brother Eric has held that seat since 2023.

ConfidentialThe GOP File

The file on Jennifer Balkcom

Balkcom is a two-term state representative for the 117th District in Henderson County and works as a mortgage loan officer. source
She voted for a 12-week abortion ban with exceptions and opposed Medicaid expansion for childless, able-bodied adults. source
Ager's campaign says she has already taken tens of thousands of dollars from corporate interests in Raleigh. This is the campaign's claim. source

Voting in NC

Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3
Register by: The state board pages I opened did not give the regular registration deadline. Voters not registered in their county can register and vote on the same day at an early voting site through Oct. 31.
Early voting: Oct. 15 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. Voters can use any early voting site in their county. Photo ID is required.
Mail ballots: Mailed ballots must reach the county board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. A postmark does not count. The request deadline is two weeks before Election Day, which is about Oct. 20 and has probably passed.
Your state's official election site

Rules change. Check the official site before you go.

Also on the North Carolina ballot

Every Senate, governor and House race in North Carolina →

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In the files

Midterms

Trump's ex-campaign manager Stepien calls GOP corruption fallout 'ugly' before midterms

Bill Stepien, who ran Trump's 2020 campaign, said on CNN that recent headlines about Kimberly Guilfoyle and other allegations have given Democrats an opening. It is a rare warning from inside Trump's circle 10 days before the Nov. 3 election.

Oct 24, 2:59 PM ET

Profile sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

Race data checked Monday, October 26, 2026. Quotes on this page were matched word for word against their sources.