3 in WNC’s crowded 11th US House District race say Helene recovery is top priority
To help inform voters in the March 3, 2026, election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The Charlotte Observer to help make this coverage possible. This story focuses on the election for U.S. House District 11, which covers western North Carolina. The Democratic primary features Zelda Briarwood, Jamie Ager, Lee Whipple, Paul Maddox and Richard Hudspeth. The Republican primary includes Chuck Edwards and Adam Smith. Edwards, an incumbent, did not respond to requests for questionnaire responses.
The Charlotte Observer and Raleigh News and Observer asked all candidates in this race to complete a questionnaire to inform voters about their opinions on big issues facing voters.
Zelda Briarwood
Political party: Democrat Age as of March 3, 2026: 35 Campaign website: zeldaforcongress.org
Current occupation: Project Coordinator for Quality Data Systems
Professional experience: Case Manager and Victim Service Practitioner for OurVoice; Crisis Services Manager for Appalachian Community Services; Admissions Coordinator for CooperRiis & Outward Bound; Wilderness Educator and Lead Clinical Technician for Red Oak Recovery
Education: BA in Psychology from University of South Carolina. Also studied Adventure-based Psychotherapy and Adventure Education at Prescott College. Certified Victim Service Practitioner & Qualified Mental Health Professional
Please list any notable government or civic involvement.
Precinct chair, secretary of Haywood County Young Dems
What would be your top priority if elected? Affordability for the working class
Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? Our economy is so hyper-focused on Wall Street, corporations, and capitalism that they fail to address the affordability issue plaguing the average American. We need an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy.
In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? Votes of no confidence for all elected officials. If federal workers aren’t getting paid during a shutdown, neither should Congress.
Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies? Democrats opted to open up the government on a gentlemen’s agreement that a vote on these subsidies would occur mid-December. Did that vote happen? Nope. I blame both parties for failing the American people. No one should be priced out of healthcare for the audacity of wanting to live.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries?
Yes
Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status?
Absolutely not. ICE is terrorizing cities at the cost of American lives. More and more US citizens are being targeted, detained, and deported. ICE was supposed to target violent criminals, not be the source of violence.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? I do not. No person’s education should be contingent on their zip code.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? The Democratic Party has turned its back on the working class and hasn’t been fighting hard enough for the American People.
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Jamie Ager
Political party: Democrat
Age as of March 3, 2026: 48
Campaign website: AgerForCongress.com Current occupation: Farmer and Owner of Hickory Nut Gap
Professional experience: Co-founder of Hickory Nut Gap Farm (2001 – present) Education: Warren Wilson College (1996 – 2000); NC State University Agricultural Leadership Development Program (2005 – 2007)
Please list any notable government or civic involvement.
Former Member, Buncombe County Environmental & Energy Stewardship Subcommittee. Former Board Member, Buncombe County Farm Bureau; Former Board Member, Carolina Farm Stewardship Association; Former Statewide Committee Member, NC Young Farmer and Rancher.
What would be your top priority if elected?
Delivering Hurricane Helene relief funding and support is my top priority. Western North Carolina is still in crisis. Many families and small businesses are still waiting on the initial aid that was promised, which won’t even begin to make a dent in the true cost of this disaster. Chuck Edwards has failed us on many things, but failing to deliver Helene recovery will end up being the most detrimental to our region.
Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? While some argue that the stock market is up, all I’m seeing and hearing about from folks is that costs are going up much faster than their wages are. We’re seeing that especially now with the current crisis of affordability with essentials like housing, child care, utilities, health care, groceries, and more. We need advocates who will fight for the working class and small businesses, not corporations and the richest among us.
In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? These issues, among others, point to why we have the lowest trust of government we’ve seen. Passing a budget and keeping the government open and working are two of the most basic functions of Congress. We can’t have elected representatives refusing to work for the people, and folks are beyond tired of Congress using peoples’ lives as political footballs for leverage. I think our country is capable of doing great things, but we can’t do it with a government that doesn’t function.
Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies?
I’m supportive of these subsidies because they’re helping keep people healthy, rural hospitals open, and families from going broke — especially in Western North Carolina. But they’re not the finish line. They’re a necessary step while we build a better system where everyone can see a local doctor they trust and never face bankruptcy just for getting sick.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? Yes, the President should go before Congress before taking action. Power has tilted too far toward the executive branch, and I believe it’s time to rebalance it. The Constitution is clear that Congress should play a serious role in the decision before we send our sons and daughters into harm’s way. These are major decisions that deserve public debate and accountability.
Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? These raids went too far and have hurt people who are here legally while undermining trust in law enforcement. Targeting people based solely on the color of their skin is immoral and un-American. We should prioritize deporting violent criminals, not targeting families. That means banning masks during routine operations, following due process and Constitutional rights, and holding officers accountable. We can enforce the law and respect people’s dignity at the same time.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? I believe in local control, but I also believe every kid deserves a fair shot. That takes partnership, not finger-pointing or resource-strapping between levels of government. States can’t do it alone, and Washington shouldn’t dictate everything either. When communities, states, and the federal government work together, we get stronger schools, better teachers, and more opportunity for our kids. That’s good news for everyone involved.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle are using insider information to enrich themselves via stock trading. This is not only unethical, it’s offensive to the American public who work hard to scrape by while Congress makes no progress on the issues that matter most. We need both parties to be tough on corruption. I’ll work to ban stock trading for members of Congress and aggressively fight corruption in all forms.
Lee Whipple
Political party: Democrat
Age as of March 3, 2026: 56 Campaign website: www.theknowledgeportrait.com
Current occupation: Civil Engineer
Professional experience: Permitting through various government agencies, interpreting rules and regulations, working with budgets, schedules, and contracts; 10 years of civil engineering experience
Education: Bachelor of Civil Engineering, Georgia Tech 1993
Please list any notable government or civic involvement.
Attending City Council and Planning Board meetings. Volunteering for the Democratic Party in various functions, and differing civil engineering roles.
What would be your top priority if elected?
Obtaining funds already allotted by the state and federal governments to quickly help WNC Residents hurt by Hurricane Helene.
Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? The commodities and exchange markets have been soaring wildly. In general, this does not continue without a bust cycle. In order to mitigate a possible recession, a minimum wage increase should be enacted. This increase could be based on a ratio of a state’s electoral votes to the total U.S. vote count. In the short term, this would also help people to deal with inflation.
In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? The real problem in this country is the size of the debt, almost $40 trillion. It is a tremendous source of instability to us and the world. Something needs to be done now. I have a plan that would involve at least one Constitutional amendment and bi-partisan support. Supposedly, both Republicans and Democrats are concerned about this issue. If we could erase the debt, we would save $1 Trillion dollars that goes to interest every budget year. That money could help our citizens.
Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies?
The United States of America is the richest country in the world. It is astonishing that our health care system neglects so many in the midst of such wealth. If you lose your job, it might not be easy to get work again, and that is the time you need Medicaid the most. Phasing in health insurance for all citizens is critical.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? Well, Congress is supposed to allocate funds for military action. But, the President is the civilian head of the military. If there is an emergency situation, our response needs to be swift, effective and achieve surprise. I believe the President should inform members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees as well as the Chiefs of Staff. Just taking unilateral action without relying on advisors is dangerous and irresponsible.
Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? Absolutely not! The enforcement is racist; it is destroying our communities; it is sweeping up targeted “foes” of the Trump administration, and even detaining citizens without charge. I fear that Trump is trying to create a federal military force that he controls. What would be the limits on what he could do with such a force? I’ve heard that the number of federal agents in Minneapolis exceeds the number of police by four times.
Editor’s note: The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported in mid-January that a potential 3,000 federal agents deployed across Minnesota from Immigration and Custom Enforcement and Border Patrol is five times the number of Minneapolis police officers, but it would be about 500 people larger than the 10 largest police departments in the metro area combined.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? Control of education is not specifically designated in the Constitution, so states are understood to control it. However, I believe there are some policies that could be instituted by the federal government that would be beneficial to schools. For instance, teachers that excel in their subjects could instruct classes of other teachers after the school year is over. Two paid weeks of continuing education could help all teachers reach their students more effectively.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? It seems obvious that trans girls cannot compete in sports. Anyone who has ever really rooted for a team (which includes a lot of independents) understands this. However, trans students have a right to try out for sports just like anyone else. If they make the team, they can practice with the team (without displacing anyone), use the sports facilities, get exercise and learn about teamwork. They just can’t compete in the actual matches. This is the best compromise that I can come up with.
Paul Maddox
Political party: Democrat
Age as of March 3, 2026: 53 Campaign website: maddoxforcongress.com Current occupation: Professor and research scientist on leave at UNC Chapel Hill
Professional experience: Entrepreneur; Founder of Mizar Imaging, LLC and Mizar Therapeutics, INC
Education: BS Biology- UNC; PhD Biology- UNC
Please list any notable government or civic involvement.
Precinct Vice-Chair for UNC precinct, Orange Co., NC
What would be your top priority if elected?
Our nation is in desperate need of affordable, effortless and accessible health care. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill, two rural hospitals in District 11 are at higher risk of closing and health care premiums are skyrocketing. Western North Carolinians should not have to drive hours away for medical care, go into debt from a medical emergency or be forced to go without health care due to its cost. Health care should not be treated as a luxury, but as a right.
Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? Our leaders need to start working for the average American again, not their billionaire buddies. While Americans have been struggling to put food on the table due to inflation, corporations have been making record-breaking profits. Congress needs to be fighting to build our middle class up and that begins with removing tax breaks for billionaires and giving relief to the other 99%.
In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? The American people should not continue to be collateral in partisan politics, and members must learn how to negotiate in good faith. The current federal budgeting process could be reformed to mimic local and state government budgets. These budgets are separated between long and short term expenditures and when a project is proposed, legislators choose how to separate expenditures between the two pockets, allowing for forward-thinking budgeting and forecasting.
Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies?
We need to find a more sustainable solution to health care that makes it more affordable, accessible and straightforward. Having to vote to extend subsidies every three years wastes time and holds hardworking Americans who rely on Medicaid and the ACA hostage to partisan games.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? There is a reason that the War Powers Resolution was passed in 1973. Our leaders in Congress are elected to vote in the best interest of their constituency and that includes those serving in the military. It is abhorrent that this resolution has not been abided by, allowing Presidents and their unelected advisors to act as the sole authority in sending our service members to risk their lives in war.
Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? I strongly oppose the Trump administration’s tactics and Republican leaders’ unwavering support of them. All affected by ICE crackdowns, including those with legal status, have been stripped of their constitutionally guaranteed due process and human rights. In addition to the indefensible violence, local economies are impacted by ICE presence, as their employees, legal or not, fear going into public at risk of being stopped or detained.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? There needs to be more federal oversight to ensure students nationwide receive a sound, basic education to address disparities in education quality state-to-state. North Carolina students are victims of partisan state politics, leaving our education system ranked 51st in education funding. North Carolina is home to some of the nation’s top universities and businesses, but as our state legislature continues to devalue public education, the strength of our economy is at risk. Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? While I do not disagree with the Democratic Party on health care, more must be done to ensure all Americans have access to affordable and straightforward health care. The current system of voting on subsidy extensions and hoping enough Republicans sign on every few years is not sustainable nor fair to those receiving coverage through the ACA. I cannot say what that exact solution is, but we cannot keep putting recipients in limbo every few years for political games.
Richard Hudspeth
Political party: Democrat
Age as of March 3, 2026: 63 Campaign website: richardhudspethforcongress.com
Current occupation: Family physician
Professional experience: Physician and led WNC’s largest community health center
Education: B.A. Duke University, M.D. UNC-Chapel Hill
Please list any notable government or civic involvement. Advocating all levels of government for affordable health care for everyone
What would be your top priority if elected?
My top priority will be making life more affordable for working people in Western North Carolina. We start by fixing our broken health care system so no one has to choose between getting care and paying their bills. I will fight to move us toward Medicare-for-All. Too many in WNC lost their ACA subsidies and worry about Medicaid cuts, and 25 million Americans remain uninsured. As a family physician and former leader of a community health center, I know we can do better.
Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? I hear every day from voters how hard it is to make ends meet. Even with a decent paycheck, families are being squeezed by rising costs. Our elected leaders must recognize the urgent crisis facing working people and relentlessly fight those who created this crisis. I proposed a homegrown food tax credit of $500 for growing your own food. I favor community controlled affordable housing, and oppose corporate ownership of family homes. I support federal dollars for universal child care programs.
In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? Change happens at the speed of trust. To build trust between members of Congress, we must find the common ground of helping the people we represent. Let’s start with a Helene Recovery Act that can serve as a model for future natural disasters. Let’s get long-term legislation passed on health care, beyond temporary fixes like a few more years of ACA subsidies. The last true budget passed in 1997. Lack of budgetary goal setting shortchanges our children’s future with a $40 trillion national debt.
Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies?
I support these programs, yet they are temporary fixes to what truly ails our health care ‘system.’ I will advocate for Medicare-for-All, with improvements. We spend twice as much per person as other countries and with worse outcomes. Investment in primary care is the mechanism to lower costs and improve outcomes. Our nation spends less than 5% of its $5 trillion on primary care, while other countries spend 15%. We don’t need more money; we need to reprioritize how we spend our money.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? Yes.
Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status?
Beyond maintaining control of our borders, no, I do not. Congress, by inaction, with the last significant immigration reform being in 1986, has led us to our broken system and the current immoral behaviors which run counter to our national character. We are seeing the effects of Congress abdicating its authority to one man: 5-year-olds detained, lack of due process and American citizens killed by ICE. I will work every day to get Congress to pass comprehensive immigration legislation.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? One generational obligation we have is to provide the best educational opportunities for every child. It is the wisest investment we can make as a country. We are failing. While our current system gives states oversight, the federal government, through a Department of Education, must hold states accountable for outcomes, setting national priorities, incentivizing states to embrace proven innovation and protecting our most vulnerable students with programs like Title 1 and IDEA.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? Party politics has led us to a top-down approach. The Democratic Party should lead the way in a new Congress that fosters a bottom-up approach, rebuilding trust by prioritizing collaboration, transparency and citizen-driven solutions over rigid party control. One that will help each representative empower their communities, listen to local voices and build policy from the lived experiences of the people they serve.
Adam R. Smith
Political party: Republican
Age as of March 3, 2026: 43 Campaign website: www.adaminthehouse.com
Current occupation: Consultant
Professional experience: Former Green Beret with nearly 17 years of time in the US Army. Entrepreneur, Public speaker Education: Yes Please list any notable government or civic involvement.
Founder of Savage Freedoms Relief Operations, one of the largest civilian operations during the rescue and recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene
What would be your top priority if elected?
Get Western North Carolina families recovered from Helene, and businesses growing again. Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? The US taxpayers suffer from being over-regulated and over-taxed. Politicians don’t operate with any fiduciary responsibility to the American taxpayer. A balanced budget is just the start, cutting spending, bloated agencies, and accountability for fraud is next. Raising the debt ceiling and printing money until we are bankrupt doesn’t serve the American People.
In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? To prevent future budgetary shutdowns: Pass full-year budgets on time, not endless continuing resolutions. Adopt regular order: committee markups, floor debate, amendments. Use biennial budgeting for longer-term stability. Enforce spending caps and automatic triggers for sequestration if deadlines miss. Passing a real budget is critical. It forces priorities, controls debt, restores accountability and avoids chaos that hurts federal workers, military families and the economy.
Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies?
The ACA should be repealed. It’s a failed program that has become corporate welfare for insurance giants, and keeps people trapped in bloated and overpriced plans. Medicaid needs to be issued to states as block-grants with work requirements so North Carolina can tailor it to those who are truly in need, which will help cut fraud. Competition drives market prices down; government subsidies manufacture higher prices. Health care freedom is greater than governmental control.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? No. Constitutional Authority, The War Powers Resolution and the 2001 AUMF all give the President authority to conduct limited military action without congressional approval. In the modern world, threats move quickly, and technological advances can happen at a blink of an eye. The ability for the President to use those powers granted to the office become critical in thwarting threats to the United States. Every President, especially Obama, used the same authorities to conduct operations globally.
Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? The tactics being used by the current administration are no different than the tactics used by President Obama. A country without a secure border cannot maintain security or sovereignty. With millions that came through during the Biden administration, action must be taken to reduce the number of illegal migrants in the country and close the floodgates of border crossings.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? Yes.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? The uniparty of the United States has operated long enough in its own self-interest. The American People grind daily to create success while politicians on both sides look the other way while corruption and massive pork spending happens. How is it that someone can have a negative net worth when going into office and then 2 terms later be worth tens of millions? I disagree with the political elites picking winners and loser and the American People being last.
