Jamie Ager

Jamie Ager was born in Fairview, North Carolina, and, according to his campaign website, was raised on his family's Hickory Nut Gap Farm, where he describes himself as a fourth-generation farmer.[1][2] He 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, where he met his wife, Amy.[1][2] From 2004 to 2006, according to his campaign website, he took part in an agriculture leadership development program through NC State.[2]

Ager co-founded Hickory Nut Gap, which he describes as a sustainable meat company; his campaign website says it supports 25 employees and works with dozens of farmers across the region.[1][2] He has been affiliated with the Buncombe County Farm Bureau and the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association.[1] His campaign website says his grandfather, Jamie Clarke, served in the U.S. Congress and the state legislature, and that his father, John, held the state House seat now held by his brother, Eric.[2]

According to Ager's campaign website, his family lost power and water for weeks after Hurricane Helene; WSOC-TV reported that the farm was heavily affected by the storm and that it lost a beef contract with local schools after federal agriculture cuts.[2][5] He won the March 3, 2026 Democratic primary for the 11th District, defeating four other candidates with 64.7% of the vote.[1] According to his campaign website, he campaigned on Hurricane Helene recovery, affordability for working families, and preserving the environment and local culture, and he is the father of three sons.[2] He won the November 3, 2026 general election with 57.1% of the vote to Jennifer Balkcom's 41.3% and Travis Groo's 1.6%, according to unofficial results reported by NBC News.[3]