Running for Us: John Morgan, Candidate for NC House of Representatives District 113

We are happy to kick off our 2026 Running for Us series with a Q&A featuring John Morgan, candidate for District 113* in the NC House of Representatives. John accepted the challenge of running against Republican Jake Johnson after the original candidate was unable to continue his campaign.

As a veteran, a pilot, and an elected city commissioner, John has had decades of experience in providing responsible leadership and prevailing over challenges.  We hope you enjoy this interview with him!

HCDP: First of all, your background is quite interesting and unique. Can you summarize it for us? 

JOHN: I joined the U.S. Air Force as a pilot during the Viet Nam war. I flew reconnaissance missions in all the hot spots throughout the world. The last eight years of my 21-year military career were spent flying senior government officials, including Presidents Bush Sr. and Clinton, three Vice Presidents, members of congress and several heads of state.  I also served 25 years as an airline captain and training instructor on the Boeing 747. After we moved to Western North Carolina 26 years ago, I served as a Saluda City Commissioner where I was responsible for planning for the future needs of the city’s utilities.  In terms of education, I have a master’s degree in business administration.

 HCDP: What prompted you to become involved in politics?   

 JOHN:   I was not happy with the direction politics has taken.  In the military we learned to work together, depend on each other, and solve problems no matter what our backgrounds were. I believe that after an election is over, the winner needs to represent all the people and work to bring everyone together. My goals are to listen to the people of my district and find out what their greatest needs are so we can find solutions.  I want them to have a chance to prosper.  I plan to focus on improving access to affordable health care, bringing our schools up to standards that meet today’s challenges, and providing incentives to landlords to increase the supply of affordable housing.  At the same time, I believe it is important to preserve our environment and rural culture—the things that make Western North Carolina special.

HCDP: You said you moved here 26 years ago.  What made you choose this spot?

JOHN: My wife and I could live anywhere in the world and we picked Western North Carolina.  We were attracted by the beauty of the countryside, the people, the culture, and the sense of belonging we feel here.  

HCDP: What do you see as your primary contribution?

JOHN: I’d like to think that during my military career I had a part in preserving our security, our freedom and our way of life.  I felt a strong need to serve my country.  I chose to be a pilot because my father and my maternal grandfather were both involved in aviation.  I grew up in an airline family and wanted to fly as far back as I can remember.  While working as a commissioner, I enjoyed the ability to see firsthand how people benefit from efforts to fix their problems.  My current interest is in giving back to my community, which I can best do at this time by going to Raleigh.

HCDP: Last question—you’ve traveled for a career.  What is your dream trip and why?

JOHN:  Antarctica! It’s the one continent I haven’t had a chance to travel to and one I know very little about. 

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Many thanks to John for doing this interview!  Our Running for Us series of candidate profiles is designed to shine a local spotlight on the people who have chosen to run for office to help create a brighter, fairer future for Henderson County.  Learn more about John, follow his events, and support his campaign by following his Facebook page and website. 

*NC House District 113 includes precincts in southern Henderson County as well as all of Polk County, some of Rutherford County and a small portion of McDowell County.