Hayden Rogers formally files for 11th district race

Full announcement from Hayden Rogers campaign:

Brasstown, NC – Hayden Rogers, a native of Western North Carolina, officially filed as a candidate for the 11th Congressional District today.

“I am honored and humbled today to begin a campaign dedicated to helping the working families of Western North Carolina,” Rogers said. “Our campaign will focus on protecting American jobs by ending unfair trade agreements, helping small businesses grow and create new jobs here at home, and giving all Americans the opportunity to succeed in the global economy through high-quality education.”

Rogers, the longtime Chief of Staff to retiring U.S. Representative Heath Shuler, was born and raised in Western North Carolina. While serving as Shuler’s Chief of Staff, Rogers focused on economic development and job creation.

“Across the region we have seen the effects of unfair trade deals,” Rogers continued. “In textile mills and furniture plants, we have seen thousands of jobs lost to China and Mexico. I have spent the last five years fighting against those trade agreements and helping local companies save and create jobs here in Western North Carolina with Congressman Shuler. We can’t stop now though. We must continue investing in American companies and American workers. American workers will out-produce, out-compete, and out-innovate anyone in the world on a level playing field.”

Prior to becoming Shuler’s Chief of Staff, Rogers was an entrepreneur with enterprises ranging from heavy construction, real estate, landscaping, and a garden center.

“Small businesses are the engine that drives our economy, creating nearly two out of every three new jobs and accounting for nearly half of all private sector jobs. I have seen the highs and lows of owning a small business. I’ve balanced a budget, made payroll, and negotiated health insurance rates. We must promote an atmosphere that encourages small businesses to grow, and in Congress I will be committed to reducing regulations that stifle small business growth and innovation.”

Rogers also pledged to work to move beyond the divisive partisanship that has brought nothing but gridlock to Congress. “Western North Carolinians want elected officials who will work hard and solve problems. They are tired of the partisan ideologues whose main concern is winning political points.”

Rogers is a graduate of Robbinsville High School and Princeton University. He resides in Brasstown with his wife, Dr. Donna Tipton-Rogers, and their two daughters, Torin (8) and Lochlan (6). They attend Little Brasstown Baptist Church. Rogers currently serves on the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.