Former Green Beret Adam Smith Announces Primary Challenge in North Carolina's 11th Congressional District
This weekend, former Green Beret Adam Smith announced his campaign for the 11th Congressional District as a Republican. His announcement sets up a primary challenge with Republican Congressman Mark Edwards. Both Republicans and Democrats will have ongoing Congressional primaries this march.
“This evening I had the honor and privilege of announcing my candidacy for the NC-11 US Congressional District. We were blessed with the opportunity to serve our neighbors of Western North Carolina during the Helene rescue and recovery efforts. I watched firsthand just how inefficient the bureaucracy truly is, “ said Congressional Candidate Adam Smith. “I have no desire to be a politician, AND I simply won’t sit on sidelines while so called leaders claim they have our best interest in mind. The next 5 months are going to be a heavy lift. However I know my neighbors and the residents of WNC are ready for someone who’s willing to talk straight, stand our ground on the values we hold so dear, and push back on the nonsense constantly being pushed by democrats.”
According to his website, Smith served nearly 17 years in the United States Army as a Green Beret with the Defense Intelligence Agency. Deploying around the world several times. Transitioning out of the military was a challenge, but through his connection with a friend, he found a new direction in orienting himself toward serving others. Smith later became the Director of Training and Head Instructor at Norse Tactical, training law enforcement and Special Operations units. He later founded Savage Freedoms and Savage Consulting.
Smith highlighted his volunteer work in responding to Helene as a key component of his campaign. He started by first rescuing his daughter and his ex-wife, conducting one of the first helicopter rescues in Western North Carolina after Helene devastated the region. Smith played a key role in organizing private helicopters in the “Redneck Air Force” to deliver supplies into Western North Carolina as the federal government delayed action.
After his announcement, GatorPAC and its Veteran Leadership Fund, both dedicated to electing America First veterans to Congress, announced their endorsement of Smith.
"Adam Smith is the kind of battle-tested leader our nation needs in Congress," said retired Colonel Rob Maness, Chairman of GatorPAC. "His service as a Green Beret, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his hands-on role in coordinating relief operations during Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina demonstrate his dedication to putting America and its people first. In a time when our country faces unprecedented challenges, Adam will fight for veterans, secure our borders, and restore constitutional freedoms. GatorPAC is thrilled to stand behind him in this critical race."
Notably, the GatorPAC supported Joe Kent (WA-03), Sandy Smith, and JR Majewski. These candidates ran in competitive districts and were defeated by Democrats, making it harder for Repubicans to secure a majority.
