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Carey enters Democratic primary race for 11th District Congressional seat

Times News - 4/16/2021

Apr. 16—A fourth contender has announced an intention to run against 11th District U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn in the 2022 Democratic primary.

Jay Carey, 50, of Hendersonville, announced his campaign bid Thursday. The U.S. Army combat veteran said he decided to run for office because he wants to do more for his community and because he believes Cawthorn is failing to represent the interests and well-being of the 11th District's constituents. Cawthorn has been in office since January.

The political newcomer said he's a proud Democrat but hasn't been "selected by the establishment" and isn't a groomed politician.

"I believe my friends, neighbors and family deserve more," Carey said. "For too long the decent, hardworking people of Western North Carolina have been left behind with technology, the economy, readily available health care and now — especially due to the remote teaching — academics. I want to change that."

Other candidates who have announced their intentions to run are Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, Eric Gash and Josh Remillard.

Although Carey said they are "fine" candidates, he confidently said he will be the next representative.

"I am the only candidate that can and will beat Madison Cawthorn," he said.

Carey believes he'll be the next 11th District representative because he'll represent the whole district and capture independent votes.

"I'm asking you to join me if you are fed up with the fear-mongering, half truths, incompetence and false warrior bravado of our current representative," Carey said. "Madison Cawthorn, he isn't working for us. He's not interested in supporting legislation that has put money in the pockets of hardworking, Western North Carolinians. He fails to represent us on issues that really matter."

Carey's more than 20 years in the Army included serving in Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He said his experience working on nation building and with people overseas toward a common goal despite cultural and language barriers will allow him to easily work with everyone.

Racial inequalities, civil and voting rights oppression, institutionalized and systemic racism and lack of equality for all are issues that "belong to us all," he said.

"This is an American problem," Carey added. "The ability to live and thrive in our country should be a constant no matter your race, ethnicity, your belief system, class, sexual orientation or gender identities."

He focused on two main issues he wants addressed: greater access to and improved health care, as well as broadband internet.

Health care

Carey moved to Hendersonville three years ago and has noticed, even despite the COVID-19 pandemic, health care facilities shutting their doors across the district.

The re-establishment of low-cost mental health, vision, dental, prescription and overall health services, especially to rural communities, is critical to the health and well-being of everyone, he said.

"Our health care is a mess and we deserve better," Carey said. "There are realistic paths to make these (services) and more possible."

Particularly important to him is mental health care access and working to eliminate the negative stigma behind asking for help. He and his family have struggled with mental health issues including addiction, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, he said.

"It wasn't easy for me to admit that I needed help but many people, especially in the military, see it as a weakness and not a strength to admit you have a problem," Carey said. "It's up to us to change that narrative and treat people with a broken spirit with the same empathy that we treat people with a broken leg."

Broadband access

Carey believes broadband internet access is essential to everyday life. "From Marion to Murphy, people deserve access to high quality, high speed, uninterrupted broadband service to stay engaged in the digital revolution and be able to compete for the jobs of the future," he said.

Broadband is the key to expanded health care, education and economic growth so localities shouldn't be barred in any way from providing broadband as a utility, Carey said.

He wants to get more federal funding to private industries that provide broadband so they can't use the excuse of expansion being too expensive.

Other issues

Carey also noted his stance on higher education and gun ownership. Student loan debt should be forgiven and higher education should be affordable for everyone, he said.

Carey supports the Second Amendment and believes everyone has the right to own firearms, but under "sensible" gun laws.

"Gun safety starts with the gun owner," he said, adding it's a lie that Democrats "are coming for your guns."

'A bigger difference'

Carey's wife, Leslie, said before introducing her husband for his campaign announcement that he had "an inspired look in his eye" when he told her he wanted to run for Congress and said, "I think I can make a bigger difference."

"I can't think of a better person to get things done," Leslie Carey said. "That's what he does. ... Jay wants to make things right with his community and his country."

She admires his dedication to his family, compassion for animals and willingness to help anyone that needs support. Carey is just without being self-righteous and stays true to his values and moral compass, she said.

The couple have four boys ages 20 months, 12, 16 and 23.

For more information about Carey's campaign, visit jaycareyforcongress.com.

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