I’m Jamie. I’m a fourth-generation farmer, entrepreneur, and proud son of Western North Carolina. Born in Fairview and raised on my family’s Hickory Nut Gap Farm, I’ve spent my life growing food, building community, and working with people. From a young age, my family taught me the values of public service, hard work, and neighborliness.
My great-grandparents helped launch one of the region’s first farm cooperatives. My granddad, Jamie Clarke, served western North Carolina in the U.S. Congress and the state legislature, balancing running the farm with working for the people in office. In fact, he was instrumental in helping to shape early programs like Medicare and Medicaid. I watched those values play out not in politics, but in the lives of our neighbors. My father John served in the State House seat that my older brother, Eric, currently serves in.
I graduated from A.C. Reynolds High School and earned degrees from Warren Wilson College in Environmental Studies with a concentration in sustainable agriculture and History. That’s also where I met Amy, my wife and partner in life and business. From 2004 – 2006, I participated in an Agriculture Leadership Development Program through NC State. Together, Amy and I returned to Fairview to raise our family and built Hickory Nut Gap, a sustainable meat company that today supports 25 employees and works with dozens of farmers across the region.
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.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, our community was tested in ways we’d never imagined. Our family lost power and water for weeks, fences were destroyed, livestock scattered, and communication lines were down. But when things were bad, our neighbors showed up and strangers lent a hand.
I was so proud to see how people organized, shared what little they had, and rebuilt together. That experience reaffirmed my belief in the generosity of our community and highlighted how the government often lags behind in times of crisis. It also deepened my resolve to push for smarter, faster, and more responsive systems that actually meet people’s needs.
As the proud father of three sons — Cyrus, Nolin, and Levi — I care deeply about our future. I’m concerned about big challenges like recovering from Hurricane Helene, affordability for working families, and preserving our environment and culture. I’m also outspoken about the need to support local businesses and putting Western North Carolina first. I’ve never been afraid to stand up for what’s right, even if it means speaking out against my own party or taking on extremists.
Western North Carolina deserves a representative who fights for the people, and I’m ready to serve.