Dems’ ‘Red to Blue’ list sparks Primary Election backlash
Western North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District has been a Republican stronghold for more than a decade, but the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s decision to elevate Buncombe County farmer Jamie Ager into its first 2026 “Red to Blue” cohort amid a competitive Primary Election has turned the spotlight inward as much as outward. North Carolina Democrats aren't the only ones complaining.
Democrats sense opportunity in storm-ravaged NC-11
Voters in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District have endured years of disaster and instability, just as national trends are shifting hard against Republicans. Democrats believe this is their best chance in years to flip the gerrymandered seat currently held by Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-Henderson). Five candidates are asking for that chance.
Western North Carolina braces for 2026 races
Western North Carolina’s next election cycle is already shaping up amid a volatile mix of entrenched incumbents, disaster recovery fallout and deepening national divides, with competitive races stretching from the U.S. Senate on down to county-level offices.
While marquee statewide contests appear to be headed toward familiar General Election matchups, cracks are emerging down the ballot, where public trust and institutional legitimacy are demanding attention from voters now more than any other time in recent memory.
Cancer researcher Paul Maddox targets NC-11’s ills
Paul Maddox has spent decades studying sickness. A cancer researcher, tenured professor and lifelong learner, he’s spent much of his career exploring how to heal the body. Now, Maddox says, he’s ready to heal something else.
Fundraising picks up in NC-11 congressional race
With third-quarter fundraising reports now filed, campaign finance records show sharp contrasts in both fundraising totals and donor bases among candidates in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District as they look to Primary Election contests in March.
Incumbent Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards reported raising $233,163 from January through September, with no personal contributions to his own campaign.
New Democratic challenger takes aim at Edwards, reshapes NC-11 race
The field for one of North Carolina’s most closely watched congressional races grew again this week with the entry of Dr. Richard Hudspeth, a physician with deep ties to the region who says his experience caring for mountain families gives him a unique perspective on what Chuck Edwards has failed to deliver.
