News

Democratic Party announces 11th Congressional District candidate forum

By Lightning Reports, Published: January 8, 2026

The Henderson County Democratic Party will host an 11th Congressional District candidate forum on Saturday, Jan. 24, ahead of the March 3 primary. 

The Democratic nominee will go on to face the winner of the Republican primary — either incumbent Chuck Edwards of Flat Rock or challenger Adam Smith of Fairview in Buncombe County. The Western North Carolina seat is potentially in play in the battle for control of Congress as Edwards faces questions about the federal government's inefficient Hurricane Helene recovery and as President Trump's popularity drops.
The forum is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 24, on the second floor of the Historic Courthouse. The event is open to the public. Attendees should use the side entrance on Second Avenue East and follow signs.

Candidates committed to participate, in order of filing, are Zelda Briarwood, a mental health professional from Canton; Jamie Ager, a fourth-generation farmer, entrepreneur and grandson of former U.S. Congressman James M. "Jamie" Clarke; Richard Hudspeth, physician and former CEO of Blue Ridge Health, a non-profit community health center; and Paul Maddox, a cancer researcher and professor from Burnsville. Engineer Lee Whipple of Asheville has also filed to run in the Democratic primary.

The forum will give voters a chance to meet candidates and hear their views on key issues
“We’re especially excited to announce that Mark Warwick, a nonpartisan community leader from local radio station WTZQ, will moderate the event,” said Drake English, first vice chair of Henderson County Democratic Party. “We believe Mark’s professionalism will create a meaningful forum that will help voters make an informed choice when they go to cast their votes in March.”
The forum will begin with a mix-and-mingle session to allow voters to meet the 11th Congressional District candidates as well as other local candidates who choose to attend. The formal program will begin at 10 a.m. with candidate introductions followed by the candidates' responses to four questions relating to Helene recovery, health care, local agriculture and affordability.

The forum will conclude with a Q&A segment using questions submitted by the public ahead of time. Those who would like to submit a question may use this form. Even if a person cannot attend, they are welcome to submit a question.