Johnson Defeats Hager in GOP Primary for N.C. House District 113

On March 3, voters in the Republican primary for N.C. House District 113 chose incumbent Rep. Jake Johnson over former legislator Mike Hager, according to unofficial results from the North Carolina State Board of Elections. 

Johnson received 7,342 votes compared with 4,686 votes for Hager. 

WCAB News was the first news outlet to report that Hager would challenge Johnson.

House District 113 includes all of Polk County and parts of Rutherford County, Henderson County and McDowell County. Johnson carried all four counties in the district. 

The race drew attention for a heavy volume of campaign mailers sent to voters ahead of the primary. A total of 36 mail pieces tied to the contest were distributed. Of those, 25 supported Johnson through his campaign committee or outside groups (political action committees), while Hager’s campaign sent 11 mailers funded by his own committee.

Johnson’s campaign highlighted his legislative record in the North Carolina General Assembly, where he serves as deputy House majority whip and chairs the House Oversight and Reform Committee. His campaign messaging emphasized funding for western North Carolina, disaster recovery following Hurricane Helene, tax policy and public safety initiatives.

Hager’s campaign focused on his previous service in the General Assembly, including his tenure as House majority leader before stepping down in 2016 to care for family members. His campaign also highlighted his work with local municipalities, including advocacy for Lake Lure, along with economic development and mental health issues.

After the results were reported, Hager congratulated Johnson.

“Congratulations to all that won and thanks to all that ran,” Hager said. “I appreciate the hard work and competitiveness that Rep. Johnson put into our race. I fully support him and his future work to help Rutherford County become a better and more affordable place to live.”

Johnson thanked supporters across the district and pledged to continue representing the region.

“After an extremely hard-fought campaign, I want to thank God, my family, and our friends across the district,” Johnson said. “Because of the hard work of so many people, we were able to get our message out and deliver victories in all four counties. I will continue working to stand up for our shared values and address the concerns that impact daily lives here in the district.”

Johnson led across all voting methods, including Election Day, early voting, and absentee-by-mail totals, according to preliminary results from the State Board of Elections. Johnson was endorsed by the four chairmen of the county commissions in his district.

There is no Democrat on the ballot in November to challenge Johnson. The Democratic candidate, Mason Rhodes, withdrew from the race, according to state election data. Final primary results will be certified during the official canvass process conducted by the State Board of Elections.