Where Was Jake? The Truth About Leadership When Western NC Needed It Most

Leadership Isn't a Campaign Slogan—It’s an Action

When crisis strikes, you learn everything you need to know about a representative. You see who shows up with a shovel and who shows up with a camera. While some politicians are content with "Bourbon Tours" and Raleigh fundraisers, Mike Hager believes in being where the work is.

Four Months on the Ground: Mike Hager in Chimney Rock

From late September through March, Mike Hager didn't just visit the hurricane-ravaged areas of Chimney Rock and Bat Cave—he lived the recovery.

While the incumbent was being heralded by Raleigh insiders, Mike was:

• Volunteering daily for four months in the hardest-hit zones of Chimney Rock and Bat Cave.

• Working river cleanups on the ground (Sept 20, Oct 31, and Nov 8).

• Collaborating with Lake Lure leadership to ensure local businesses could reopen and recover.

A Record of Service, Not Just a Seat

Mike’s commitment to our community didn’t start during an election year. He has been a fixture in Western North Carolina service for years:

• Member of the Green Hill Fire Department: Protecting our homes and families as a first responder.

• Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity Board: Helping families achieve the dream of homeownership.

The Contrast: Bourbon Tours vs. Bat Cave

In April 2024, while our region was still grappling with significant challenges, reports surfaced of "Bourbon Tours" for NC lawmakers. The choice is clear: Do you want a representative who tours distilleries with lobbyists, or a representative who clears riverbeds with his neighbors?

Western North Carolina deserves a leader who knows the smell of hard work, not just the smell of high-end bourbon.

Stand with a leader who stands with us. Join Mike Hager's mission to put WNC first.