Brasstown, NC – Hayden Rogers, Democratic candidate in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District, announced today that he has been endorsed by the bipartisan Sportsmen’s and Animal Owners’ Voting Alliance (SAOVA) for his outstanding support of sportsmen’s and animal owners’ rights.

“Hayden Rogers is a candidate who could make a substantial difference in Washington for hunting sportsmen and animal owners,” said SAOVA Director Susan Wolf. “An avid hunter and houndsman, Rogers will be a strong advocate protecting the rights and livelihoods of animal owners, sportsmen, and livestock producers. North Carolina residents will be well represented by Hayden Rogers.”

SAOVA has endorsed both Democrats and Republicans in North Carolina and states across the country since 2002. Rogers, a lifelong sportsman and former Chief of Staff to Congressman Heath Shuler, has earned a reputation in North Carolina and in Washington for being a champion on issues facing hunters and farmers.

“I am excited and honored to be endorsed by SAOVA,” said Rogers. “I have spent my life hunting in these mountains and enjoy working on behalf of the sportsmen’s community in my role as a member of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and formerly as Rep. Shuler’s Chief of Staff. SAOVA’s endorsement today builds on the broad base of support our campaign has already received from the sportsmen’s community throughout Western North Carolina, and I am very grateful for it.”

Rogers previously received the endorsement of the National Rifle Association (NRA) during the primary.