Insurance executive and Beaufort County Republican Ashley Woolard has announced his plans to run for Congress against Democratic U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield next year.

Earlier this week, Woolard, 34, told the Beaufort County Republican Men's Club that his campaign would have three major focal points: "Jobs, Jobs, Jobs," Woolard said, according to a news release. "Kids will stay in school if they know that a job is waiting.  More of them will stay out of trouble if they know that staying straight will allow them access to jobs."

Woolard is a graduate of Washington High School and East Carolina University. After graduation, Woolard joined his family business, the Woolard Insurance Group, where he serves as vice-president.

Woolard was chairman of the Beaufort County Republican Party from March 2007
until March 2009.