From Staff Reports

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Jamie Ager, the Democratic congressional candidate for North Carolina’s 11th District, on July 1 signed “The Promise to America,” a centrist Democratic pledge aimed at rejecting socialist policies and returning to a moderate, mainstream political identity.

Following is the backstory:

• The initiative: The pledge was launched by centrist Democrats in response to a string of progressive and democratic socialist primary victories in New York. The Promise initiative vows to support “capitalist, not socialist” principles, “confident patriotism,” and fiscally responsible governance.

• The candidates: Ager was one of 15 centrist Democrats — and five U.S. House candidates trying to flip Republican-held districts — who signed the pledge.

• The backlash: Signing the document drew criticism from some of the Democratic Party’s more liberal voters in Western North Carolina.

• Ager’s response: Ager responded by reinforcing his identity as a “mountain Democrat.” He explained that his decision was rooted in the pragmatic issues facing his district, such as bringing federal funds home for Tropical Storm Helene recovery, lowering the cost of living and rejecting corporate PAC money, while still defending LGBTQ and immigrant neighbors.