District 59 state Rep. Jon Hardister (R-Guilford) snagged a pretty big endorsement in his 2024 race for North Carolina Commissioner of Labor.

The North Carolina Commissioner of Labor Josh Dobson announced this week that he was endorsing Hardister in the 2024 race.

Dobson who was elected in 2020 announced in December 2022 that he would not be running for a second term as Commissioner of Labor.  Shortly after, in January 2023 Hardister announced that he would not be running for a seventh term in the House in 2024 but would be running for Commissioner of Labor.

Some candidates like to pile up endorsements and often they don’t mean much to the voters, however this endorsement by the sitting Republican office holder in the Republican primary has to be considered significant.  It would be expected in the general election, but to endorse in the Republican primary raises it to a different level.

In the press release Dobson stated, “While my time at Labor is coming to an end, I have found a great leader to take my place and serve the citizens of North Carolina. I am proud to endorse my friend, Rep. Jon Hardister, for Labor Commissioner in 2024.

“Jon has the experience and skills necessary to continue the success I’ve been a part of since taking office in 2021. I hope you will join me in supporting his campaign. Jon is a friend and a true leader, and I know he will be an effective Commissioner of Labor.”

Hardister is currently serving his sixth term in the state House and his fourth term as House Majority Whip, the number three leadership position in the House.

Dobson succeeded long time NC Commissioner of Labor Cherie Berry who served from 2000 to 2020. In her second term Berry started having her photo included on the inspection form in every elevator in the state and as a result received the unofficial title of “The Elevator Queen.”

Dobson has continued the practice of having his photo on every elevator inspection form, but so far has not acquired any titles.

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