District 113 Race Highlights Candidate Records, Local Engagement

Voters weigh legislative achievements and lobbying history ahead of March primary

As the March 3 Republican primary approaches, voters in North Carolina’s House District 113 are examining the records and public engagement of incumbent Rep. Jake Johnson and challenger Mike Hager. The contest has drawn attention after four county commission chairmen endorsed Johnson while criticizing Hager’s lobbying history.

County Commissioners Bryan King (Rutherford), Myron Yoder (Polk), Bill Lapsley (Henderson), and Tony Brown (McDowell) co-wrote a column Jan. 15 portraying Johnson as a conservative leader who delivers for the district, while describing Hager as a lobbyist for “gambling, marijuana and synthetic kratom industries.” King and Lapsley are not running for re-election. 

Lobbying Work and Public Records

Public records show Hager has been a registered lobbyist with the North Carolina Secretary of State. According to lobbyist filings and public meetings reported by WCAB News, Hager represented Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, as well as the LME/MCO for Rutherford County, Partners Health Management, among others. He was compensated $1 per month by Chimney Rock until the town opted to manage its own lobbying. Lake Lure subsequently retained Hager for $4,000/month in Jan. 2025, according to public records obtained by WCAB News.

Archived meeting videos and town council minutes confirm Hager’s participation in council discussions on municipal priorities, legislative updates, and advocacy efforts. Hager said his work focused on establishing regulated medical cannabis programs, advocating for municipal funding, and closing large electronic gaming facilities. He also emphasized that he does not support recreational marijuana or unregulated gambling. When he was House Majority Leader, he co-sponsored the "Right to Try" Act. 

Hager resigned from the North Carolina House of Representatives in August 2016, citing the need to spend more time with his family and aging parents. Following his resignation, he served on the Rutherford County Board of Education. He was defeated in the 2020 primary by Angel King.

Johnson’s Legislative Record

Johnson has served District 113 since 2019. Legislative records from the North Carolina General Assembly and archived committee materials show he serves on key committees, including Appropriations, Commerce and Economic Development, and the Helene Recovery Committee. Johnson sponsored bills and helped secure over $120 million in state funding for infrastructure projects, schools, fire departments, law enforcement facilities, and broadband expansion.

While Johnson has been active in legislative work, archived town council minutes and videos indicate he has not attended Chimney Rock or Lake Lure meetings since Hurricane Helene. Residents note that while he contributed to recovery efforts and disaster planning, his presence at local meetings has been limited in recent years.

Endorsements and Voter Considerations

Political analysts say endorsements can guide voters, but they do not replace review of verifiable public records. In this race, the four county chairmen’s column frames Hager’s lobbying work negatively without providing direct documentation, while emphasizing Johnson’s accomplishments.

Archived materials show both candidates are active in different areas: Hager at the municipal advocacy level and Johnson at the legislative level. Videos, council minutes, and lobbying filings confirm Hager’s regular engagement with local governments, while Johnson’s record shows significant legislative achievements and committee leadership.

For voters, these records provide a factual basis to evaluate the candidates beyond campaign rhetoric. Public engagement, legislative impact, and transparency in lobbying activities can all inform an independent decision at the ballot box.

Looking Ahead

With endorsements, lobbying history, and legislative accomplishments all part of the discussion, District 113 voters face multiple factors in choosing between Johnson and Hager. Archived town council minutes, meeting videos, and state legislative records are available to the public, offering a verifiable foundation for understanding each candidate’s work.

The Republican primary for House District 113 is scheduled for March 3. Voters are encouraged to review public records alongside endorsements to make an informed choice about representation in Raleigh.