In a significant political matchup, a current North Carolina House Republican leader is set to compete against a former House Majority Leader in the upcoming primary elections. This contest highlights the ongoing political dynamics and key issues within the state.
Current representative Jake Johnson, who is well into his fourth term representing House District 113, which includes all of Polk County and parts of Henderson, McDowell, and Rutherford counties, will face off against Mike Hager. Hager, who left his position in 2016 to care for his ailing father, aims to return to the political arena.
Johnson emphasizes his accomplishments in securing local funding and advancing Helene recovery efforts in western North Carolina. Meanwhile, Hager expresses his desire to finish the work he started, focusing on protecting seniors and enhancing opportunities in rural regions.
“This is certainly not what we want this time of year. We do not like seeing Republicans pitted against Republicans,” Johnson stated, highlighting his achievements in expanding rural broadband access and opposing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in government and schools.
Johnson has garnered support from notable Republicans such as Speaker of the House Destin Hall, State Auditor Dave Boliek, and Labor Commissioner Luke Farley.
In contrast, Hager advocates for reducing property taxes, lowering medication costs, and cutting energy rates, emphasizing the importance for the senior population in House District 113. “Nobody who’s 65 and over should have a chance to lose their house because they can’t pay their property taxes,” Hager asserted, proposing enhancements to the state’s Homestead Act.
Hager stresses the need for the General Assembly to alleviate the strain on local governments if such property tax revenue is eliminated. Johnson, however, opposes this exemption, arguing it could lead to a 35% tax increase for working individuals, disproportionately affecting those moving into the area for retirement.
Hager’s frustration with the current General Assembly stems from its inability to pass a comprehensive state budget. The House and Senate have yet to reconcile their budget versions due to differing views on key issues.
“We couldn’t leave without a budget, and that was our main focus. I mean, that’s why you go to Raleigh. That’s why legislators are there,” Hager remarked, voicing concerns over unresolved funding for mental health services and educational systems.
Johnson, a proponent of the House’s budget proposal, which includes teacher pay raises and a slowdown on income tax cuts, believes that differing economic forecasts for 2026 have stalled the budget agreement.
“By the time we get back up there for the short session, we’re going to have a lot better idea what the economic landscape actually looks like, and I think that is going to give us much more confidence to agree on a tax package,” Johnson explained.
Both candidates agree on the importance of continuing Helene recovery efforts, particularly in directing recovery funds to local governments that have experienced delays in FEMA reimbursements.
In 2022, Johnson overcame a primary challenge in the newly redrawn 113th District, securing votes in three counties despite a narrow loss in Rutherford. Hager, too, has previously navigated competitive primaries, having won a four-way race in 2010.
The primary election is scheduled for March 3, with the winner set to face Democrat Mason Rhodes in the November general election.
