Politics

Johnson becomes youngest member of N.C. Legislature

Superior Court Judge Peter Knight administers the oath of office as Jake Johnson becomes a state representative. Holding the Bible is Johnson's girlfriend Liz Driver.

By Lightning Reports, Published: August 5, 2019

Jake Johnson became the youngest member of the General Assembly when he was sworn in as a state representative on Monday morning in Columbus.

He resigned from his seat on the Polk County Board of Commissioners and then left for Raleigh to begin his service. The 25-year-old replaces Cody Henson, who resigned after pleading guilty in a cyber-stalking charge brought by his estranged wife.

“Jake Johnson will be a tireless advocate for conservative principles and we are excited to have him in the General Assembly,” state Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley said. “Representative Johnson represents the next generation of Republicans who are willing to serve and we look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have for his constituents in western North Carolina.”

Born and raised in Saluda, Johnson graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a degree in political science and a minor in economics. At age 22 years, he became one of the youngest elected officials in state history when he was elected to the Polk County Bioard of Commissioners. Outside of his public service, he works for the Berkshire Hathaway real estate office in Hendersonville and is a member of Silver Creek Baptist Church in Mill Springs.