In the landscape of North Carolina politics, a new contender emerges, driven by a mission to shake up the status quo. Adam Smith, a former U.S. Army Green Beret and nonprofit leader, is setting his sights on a Congressional seat, challenging the Trump-endorsed incumbent, Chuck Edwards, in the 11th District.
Smith, who spent 17 years in military service and later led the nonprofit Savage Freedom Relief Operations, gained recognition when he appeared alongside Donald Trump during a 2024 campaign event in Western North Carolina. Praising Smith’s efforts, Trump described them as an “amazing act of citizenship and service.”
Motivated by perceived inaction from Edwards post-storm, Smith decided to enter the political arena. “All I ever saw with him was, [him] in his pristinely clean clothes with his hands in his pockets,” Smith remarked, highlighting his dissatisfaction.
Edwards, however, defended his response, stating, “The people of Western North Carolina know that for about the first 35 days following the storm, I had my jeans on. I had my muddy boots on and traveled thousands of miles around the district visiting folks that had lost everything.” He also mentioned his efforts in improving FEMA’s disaster response through a task force appointed by President Trump.
As Smith aims to win over voters, he faces a district familiar with political newcomers. Madison Cawthorn, at the age of 25, previously won the seat in 2020, defeating a candidate endorsed by Trump. Despite this precedent, Smith’s path is challenging, given the district’s vast and rural nature.
Who is Adam Smith?
Born in Jeffersonville, Indiana, Smith followed a family tradition of military service, enlisting at 17. His tenure in the army mainly as a Green Beret ended during the Obama administration, partly due to his disillusionment with the Benghazi attack response. “It was a disillusionment with how the administration functioned,” Smith commented. He was adamant about not serving under Hillary Clinton had she won the presidency.
After leaving the army, Smith moved to rural Kentucky, where he faced an “identity crisis,” culminating in a failed suicide attempt. A friend’s job offer to train law enforcement officers helped him regain his sense of purpose, reinforcing his belief in foundational American values.
Smith relocated to Black Mountain in 2020 for family reasons and founded a law enforcement training company, Savage Freedom Defense. He also ventured into business consulting and podcasting, covering topics like alien conspiracy theories.
Despite his frustration with politics, Smith’s campaign is driven by a desire to protect the country and its constitution from perceived ideological threats. “I’ve seen what the atrocities of the world look like… My fear is that the trajectory of our country is going that way,” he warned.
Policies and priorities
Smith criticizes politicians for prioritizing personal interests over constituents’ needs, which he believes gives him an edge over seasoned politicians. “I think the people of Appalachia in general, they don’t fit the mold. They don’t fit the standard. There’s a lot of independent thinkers out here,” he noted.
His experiences during the storm recovery have shaped his views on federal processes, advocating for a streamlined FEMA that operates like a “special operations unit” with distinct phases of response and recovery. Smith also aims to tackle national debt by incentivizing the repatriation of offshore funds through bonds.
Regarding immigration, Smith calls for a more efficient and selective legal process, emphasizing the importance of assimilation. “If you don’t have national pride and you don’t believe in the founding principles of the United States, then you’re not an American,” he asserted.
Primary is an ‘uphill battle’
Smith’s candidacy has garnered mixed reactions, with some voters eager for new representation in Washington and others knowing him primarily for his nonprofit work. Abbi Carson, a social media manager for regional Republican groups, expressed enthusiasm for Smith’s fresh perspective. “I’ve seen a lot of people that are very enthusiastic about someone younger, someone new, someone fresh,” she remarked.
However, political analysts like Chris Cooper from Western Carolina University recognize the challenges Smith faces in unseating Edwards. “Smith is a quality candidate in a lot of ways, but he has a real uphill battle,” Cooper noted. Despite Edwards’ lack of major scandals, Smith’s post-storm recognition might aid his campaign, but convincing voters to switch allegiances remains a significant hurdle.
