Ager, Groo focus on Helene recovery, economy
Candidates running for Edwards' District 11 seat
ELECTIONS 2026
The Nov. 3, 2026, election for U.S. House of Representatives District 11 features candidates Jamie Ager, Jennifer Balkcom and Travis Groo. The incumbent, Chuck Edwards, is not seeking reelection. The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer asked all candidates in this race to complete a questionnaire to inform voters about their opinions on big issues facing voters. Balkcom did not respond to this survey.
Jamie Ager
Political party: Democrat
Age as of Nov. 3, 2026: 48
Campaign website: AgerForCongress.com
Current occupation: Co-founder and CEO of Hickory Nut Gap Farms
Professional experience: Co-founder and CEO of Hickory Nut Gap Farms (2001-present)
Education: A.C. Reynolds High School (1992– 1996); Warren Wilson College (1996–2000); NC State University Agricultural Leadership Development Program (2005–2007)
Please list any notable government or civic involvement.: Former board member of Buncombe County Farm Bureau; former board member of Carolina Farm Stewardship Association; former statewide committee member of N.C. Young Farmers and Ranchers; former member of Buncombe County Environmental & Energy Stewardship subcommittee.
What do you see as the most important issue that you would have control over if you win, and what is your position on it?: Delivering Helene recovery funding is my top priority. Western North Carolina is still in crisis. Families and small businesses are still waiting on the aid that was promised, which won't even begin to make a dent in the true human cost of this disaster. Beyond Helene recovery, I'll fight to bring down the cost of health care, food, fuel and housing, address the corruption that is making everything worse, and get money out of politics so we know our leaders are working for us, not corporations.
One of the roles of Congress is oversight. What do you believe needs to be investigated?: Corruption is running rampant throughout our government, and it's making it harder for folks in Western North Carolina to get by. I don't take corporate PAC money, and I'll work to get money out of politics. I think we should investigate leaders in both parties who have made tens of millions of dollars while supposedly working for us.
Do you agree with the tactics currently being used by immigration officials, and if not, what would you want to require them to do differently?: These raids went too far and have hurt people who are here legally while undermining trust in law enforcement. The current immigration targeting practices contradict our American values. I support a strong border and a focus on deporting criminals, not our neighbors. We can enforce the law and respect people's dignity at the same time.
Do you think the economy is getting better or worse in your district, and how?: Our economy is getting worse. I'm a farmer and business owner in this community. Working families I talk to every day are feeling left behind, and they're right. The cost of living is rapidly rising while wages have remained stagnant or haven't kept up with inflation. As we reach the two-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, we must bring home resources so we can build all the way back together.
What, if anything, would you change about how elections are run?: We need campaign finance reform and stricter regulations about who can spend money to influence our elections. Billionaires and super PACs have too much power. People don't trust that our government has their best interest at heart. We must overturn Citizens United, have stricter campaign finance laws, increased transparency and clear disclaimers. And we should stop campaigns from using misinformation, misleading generative AI ads, and other tactics to mislead voters and erode trust.
Did you use AI to answer any of these questions?: No.
Travis Groo
Political party: Libertarian
Age as of Nov. 3, 2026: 49
Campaign website: Facebook.com/groofornc
Current occupation: Safety specialist
Professional experience: Transportation industry
Education: Bachelor of arts degree in Communication Arts
Please list any notable government or civic involvement.: Chair of Wake County Libertarian Party, vice chair of WakeLP, president of Better Ballot NC.
What do you see as the most important issue that you would have control over if you win, and what is your position on it?: No taxes on tips or income.
One of the roles of Congress is oversight. What do you believe needs to be investigated?: The Federal Reserve.
Do you agree with the tactics currently being used by immigration officials, and if not, what would you want to require them to do differently?: Our immigration laws are broken. They should make a much easier path to citizenship and cut out all of the red tape. Healthy immigration is important for a healthy country.
Do you think the economy is getting better or worse in your district, and how?: Worse. Although it is ranked high in the country for business and job growth, rapid expansion has driven up housing costs and the cost of living across the state, making affordability a challenge for many living here.
What, if anything, would you change about how elections are run?: Our current system pressures voters to choose the "lesser of two evils," even if it's not their favorite candidate. Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) is the reform that is rescuing America. RCV offers transformative benefits. Campaigns shift toward issues and common ground. RCV allows for more voices and more choices.
Did you use AI to answer any of these questions?: No.
