Jamie Ager Added to DCCC’s Red to Blue List
February 23, 2026
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Fairview, NC — Today, candidate for U.S. Congress Jamie Ager announced being added to the DCCC’s Red to Blue Program. The DCCC’s Red to Blue program is a selective program that highlights the most competitive candidates in the country who demonstrate strong fundraising, broad local support, and a viable path to victory. This designation signals that Ager’s campaign for Congress is well-positioned to defeat Chuck Edwards in November and bring real leadership and North Carolina values to D.C.
“I’m honored to be added to this program,” said Jamie Ager. “Our campaign is bringing people from across Western North Carolina together around our shared values and working to address the issues that matter to people here — Helene recovery, lowering the cost of living, and fighting corruption in our government.”
“Jamie knows Western North Carolina — our unique people, communities, and mountain culture.” said Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers. “I’m proud to have been one of his first endorsers, and I’m proud that Jamie, this race, and the people of Western NC are getting the attention we deserve.”
About Jamie Ager
Jamie Ager is a fourth-generation farmer, entrepreneur, and proud son of Western North Carolina. Born in Fairview and raised on his family’s Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Jamie has spent his life growing food, building community, and working with people. From a young age, Jamie was taught the values of public service, hard work, and neighborliness.
Jamie 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. There, he met Amy, his wife and partner in life and business. Together, they returned to Fairview to start a family and built Hickory Nut Gap, a sustainable meat company that today supports 25 employees and works with dozens of farmers across the region.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Jamie and his community were tested in ways they’d never imagined. Jamie was proud to see how people organized, shared what little they had, and rebuilt together. That experience reaffirmed his belief in the generosity of our community and highlighted how the government often lags behind in times of crisis. It deepened his resolve to push for smarter, faster, and more responsive systems that actually meet people’s needs.
As the proud father of three sons, Jamie cares deeply about our future. He’s concerned about big challenges like recovering from Hurricane Helene, affordability for working families, and preserving our environment and culture. He’s also outspoken about the need to support local businesses and putting Western North Carolina first. He’s never been afraid to stand up for what’s right, even if it means speaking out against his own party or taking on extremists.
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