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Asheville Citizen-Times

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Johnson wins race for NC House 113 after taxes fueled contest

HENDERSON COUNTY - A powerful legislative insider faced a former presidential pilot who wanted to shake up Raleigh. Republican state Rep. Jake Johnson and Democrat John Morgan competed for North Carolina House District 113, covering Polk County and portions of Henderson, McDowell and Rutherford counties, in a contest centered on affordability, education and government accountability. Johnson, a Saluda native, won election to the Polk County Board of Commissioners in 2016 before being appointed to the General Assembly in 2019. He entered the contest as House deputy majority whip, with leadership roles overseeing state government and information technology. Morgan, a retired Air Force pilot, flew reconnaissance missions during the Vietnam War and later aircraft carrying Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. He also served as a Saluda city commissioner. The candidates clashed over a proposed constitutional amendment requiring the legislature to limit local property tax increases . Johnson supported the measure, citing excessive local spending. Morgan opposed it, arguing Republican lawmakers were undermining local control. On affordability, Johnson emphasized increasing electricity generation and investing in water and sewer infrastructure to encourage housing construction. Morgan advocated targeted tax relief, stronger utility oversight and programs connecting renters with affordable housing. Education produced

Polk County, NC · 2d