Pete Buttigieg speaks during Fairview campaign rally

Pete Buttigieg speaks during Fairview campaign rally

Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg spoke during a campaign rally for Democratic congressional candidate Jamie Ager in Fairview on May 18, 2026, addressing local leadership, voter engagement and the political landscape in western North Carolina.

Pete Buttigieg packs barn for rural Democrat Jamie Ager in competitive NC congressional district

Outside of the Old Sherrill’s Inn, lines formed to wait for buses, like a summer camp or field trip. With the crowd dressed in a mix of political memorabilia, flannel shirts and boots — it was a scene that felt unlikely in some ways, said Jane Lawson, who had recently changed her voter registration from Democrat to unaffiliated. Would many people stand in the May heat to get on a bus to be shuttled to a political rally? “Probably not. But for Ja…

Pete Buttigieg speaks at campaign rally for Jamie Ager, the Democratic nominee for NC-11

Supporters of Jamie Ager's campaign for Congress gathered Monday in Fairview for a rally, with an appearance from a high-profile Democratic guest.