Jan 24 HCDP NC11 Candidate Forum

Update: Our candidate forum had more than 150 people in attendance, despite concern over weather conditions. All five candidates participated and the event was moderated by WTZQ’s Mark Warwick. For a complete report, see this article in the Hendersonville Lightning.

And remember, early voting for the primary election starts Feb. 12. Check our primary primer.

UPDATE: After carefully consulting weather forecasts, we have decided to hold the NC11 Candidate Forum in person as scheduled on Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Historic Courthouse in Hendersonville. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.; event starts at 10 a.m. A recording will be available next week, with links shared here & on our social media. We urge everyone to use caution when deciding whether to attend in person or wait for the recording. Masks are also welcome for those concerned about flu.

As a key swing state, North Carolina’s 11th US Congressional District race is drawing national attention.  An upcoming forum sponsored by the Henderson County Democratic Party will give voters an opportunity to learn about candidates who are running in the March 3rd NC11 Democratic Primary. 

The winning Democrat will go on to face the winner of the Republican primary—either incumbent Chuck Edwards, who has come under criticism for a lack of response after Hurricane Helene, or his challenger, Adam Smith. 

The forum will be Saturday, January 24th, from 9:30 am to noon on the second floor of the Historic Henderson County Courthouse, 1 Historic Courthouse Square, in Hendersonville. The event is open to the public. Attendees should use the side entrance on Second Avenue and follow signs.

All five candidates are participating in the event. They are:

• Zelda Briarwood, a mental health professional from Canton;

• Jamie Ager, a fourth-generation farmer, entrepreneur, and grandson of former US Congressman James M. Clarke;

• Richard Hudspeth, physician and former CEO of Henderson County’s Blue Ridge Health, a non-profit community health center;

• Paul Maddox, a cancer researcher and professor from Burnsville;

• And engineer Lee Whipple of Asheville.  

Moderated by WTZQ’s Mark Warwick, the forum will provide a chance to meet candidates and hear views on key issues

“We’re especially excited to announce that Mark Warwick, a nonpartisan community leader from local radio station WTZQ, will moderate the event,” said Drake English, first vice chair for Henderson County Democrats. “We believe Mark’s professionalism will create a meaningful forum that will help voters make an informed choice when they go to cast their votes in March.”

The forum will begin with a Mix-and-Mingle session to allow attendees to meet the NC11 candidates as well as other local candidates in attendance. The formal program will begin at 10 am with candidate introductions followed by the candidates answering four questions relating to Helene recovery, healthcare, local agriculture, and affordability.  It will conclude with a Question-and-Answer segment, using questions submitted by the public ahead of time. 

Those who would like to submit a question should use the form at the following link: https://bit.ly/questions1-24

 “The second part of the program will rotate among candidates using questions that have been submitted," English said. "Even if a person cannot attend, they are welcome to submit a question. Since the primary is only weeks away on March 3^rd, we want to help provide practical information so voters can choose the best candidate to represent all the people of Western North Carolina, not just the wealthy and powerful.” 

Please share! No sign-up is required to attend.