Ager tops Edwards in 2nd-quarter fundraising

Democratic challenger Jamie Ager raised almost nine times as much as incumbent US Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-NC11, in the second quarter, according to the Federal Election Commission’s campaign finance reports.

According to Q2 campaign finance reports, Ager raised $1.4 million and has $2.2 million in cash on hand. Edwards brought in only $155,000 and has $486,000 in cash on hand. 

Ager also outraised Ewards in Q1 finance reports. 

“The congressman has a base level of identity in the district that reflects his work and service,” Paul Shumaker, campaign manager for Edwards, told the Carolina Journal. “Our opponent does not. We expect the intensity on both sides to be amplified over the coming months, given the national liberal dollars flowing into the district to bolster his Democratic opponent.”

In May, the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics shifted NC-11 to “lean Republican” from “likely Republican,” suggesting US Rep. Chuck Edwards, the Republican incumbent of the mountain district, is in a vulnerable position. 

The Center for Politics is not alone in shifting its rating of NC-11 towards Democrats. Last fall, the Cook Report also updated its rating from “strong Republican” to “likely Republican.”

The House Ethics Committee is also investigating Edwards regarding allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a female staff member, a subordinate. Accusations indicated that the relationship caused a toxic environment in the office and would have violated House rules against members and staff being involved in intimate relationships.

Edwards told Axios that he welcomed the investigation and implied that his staff has demonstrated professionalism and a commitment to serving the people of western North Carolina. He also stated that he was not surprised by an attempt to raise “false accusations” in the interest of political agendas in the current political climate of the nation. 

Andy Jackosn, director of the Civitas Center for Public Integrity at the John Locke Foundation, told the Carolina Journal that there is an advantage for Democrats being seen in polls nationwide this cycle.

“That Democratic advantage also extends to competitive districts with progressive candidates,” Jackson said. “With recent redistricting making the First District more Republican, the 11th District is now the most competitive in North Carolina. Ager’s campaign is their best chance of winning there in years. As with the Senate race, the fundamentals of the 11^th District race indicate that it will be closer than the fundraising numbers would suggest.”

Ager’s campaign did not respond to the Carolina Journal’s request for comment at the time of publication. 

“Ager tops Edwards in 2nd-quarter fundraising” was originally published on www.carolinajournal.com.