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Ager 'confident we can win no matter who we face'

By Lightning Reports, Published: August 5, 2026

Jamie Ager, the Democratic nominee who suddenly faces the fall congressional campaign without knowing who he'll be up against, said Wednesday morning the Republican's identity doesn't matter.

“No matter who we face in November, I’m confident we can win this race and deliver what I’ve been talking about since day one: Hurricane Helene recovery, lower costs, and an end to the corruption in Washington,” Ager said in a statement hours after incumbent Chuck Edwards announced his withdrawal from the race.

“This campaign has never been about any one person. It’s always been about Western North Carolina and our communities getting the leadership and representation we deserve. That has not changed," said Ager, a fourth-generation farmer from Fairview. “For too long, we’ve been forgotten by politicians who sell us a false bill of goods, then go to Congress to treat D.C. as their personal playground while we get left behind. My heart goes out to the young women who took these roles to serve our community.