Pete Buttigieg Endorses Jamie Ager
March 5, 2026
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Fairview, NC — Today, Jamie Ager, Democratic candidate for US Congress, announced the endorsement of former United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.
“Jamie Ager brings a farmer’s sense of ethics to public service: care for what you’ve been given, think long-term, and leave things better than you found them,” said Buttigieg. “Deeply rooted in his community, he understands that leadership is about showing up for your neighbors, taking responsibility for your work, and engaging consistently over time to earn trust. At a moment like this, Jamie’s grounded, serious approach is exactly what we need in Congress.”
“I’m honored to have Secretary Buttigieg’s support in this race,” said Ager. “He understands the value of building community and shared understanding, and his history of reaching across the aisle to foster dialogue without compromising his principles is something that has often inspired me.”
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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