Polling Shows Farmer Jamie Ager Leads Chuck Edwards in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District Congressional Race
January 6, 2026
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Fairview, NC — The latest polling in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District shows Democratic candidate Jamie Ager leading incumbent Republican Chuck Edwards.
Ager begins with a lead over incumbent Chuck Edwards in the head to head vote for Congress, 45% to 44% (+1), and strongly expands his lead as voters hear balanced biographical information on each candidate, 49% to 42% (+7).
This survey shows Ager’s clear path to outpacing partisanship in NC-11, as he leads Independents and leaners by +17 points, and he leads by +9 points among voters who say they are persuadable on a generic ballot for Congress.
“This latest polling proves what we’ve known all along — that the voters of Western North Carolina trust and want Jamie Ager as their Representative in Congress,” said Grayson Barnette, Ager’s campaign manager. “Jamie is focused on being a voice for everyone in NC-11 to help us rebuild from Helene, lower costs for families, support our rural economy, and expand access to healthcare. He will always do what is right for Western NC and this November Jamie is going to send Chuck Edwards and his corporate lobbyist buddies packing.”
The poll included an additional Democratic Primary sample where Ager holds a wide, double-digit lead in the primary, leading by +37 points, with no other candidate polling over 7% – Jamie Ager at 43%, Zelda Briarwood at 7%, Richard Hudspeth at 5%, Paul Maddox at 1%, prefer someone else at 3%.
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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