HENDERSONVILLE, NC — Jamie Ager, CEO of Hickory Nut Gap Farms, secured a commanding victory in the Democratic primary for North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District on Tuesday night. According to projections by CBS News and the Associated Press on March 3, 2026, Ager defeated physician and former Blue Ridge Health CEO Richard Hudspeth to represent the district in the upcoming general election.
With all 291 precincts reporting, Ager garnered 49,077 votes to Hudspeth’s 12,027, according to unofficial results. The victory margin ensures Ager moves forward without a runoff in a primary field that also included Zelda Briarwood, Paul Maddox, and Lee Whipple.
A Path to November
Speaking to a crowd of supporters at Trailside Brewing in Hendersonville, Ager declared victory and emphasized a clear path to success in the general election. The 11th District—which encompasses Buncombe, Henderson, and Haywood counties—has become a top national priority after swinging toward Democrats in 2024.
"Western North Carolina is ready for leadership that understands the dirt, the people, and the challenges we face every day," Ager told the crowd.
National Momentum
The win follows a significant boost from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), which added Ager to its "Red to Blue" program last week. The program targets highly competitive districts where Democrats believe they can unseat Republican incumbents. Ager will face Republican incumbent Rep. Chuck Edwards in November, who also won his primary Tuesday with roughly 70% of the GOP vote.
The Platform
Local news outlets closely followed the results as they came in. Ager’s campaign has centered on issues critical to the Asheville and Western North Carolina area, including:
Hurricane Helene Recovery: Expediting federal aid and rebuilding infrastructure.
Affordable Healthcare: Expanding access and lowering costs for rural families.
Cost of Living: Addressing housing affordability and inflation.
Sustainable Agriculture: Supporting local farmers and environmental stewardship.
Community Safety: Collaborative approaches to regional security and immigration reform.