Bobby Hanig

Bobby Hanig is a former American politician who served as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, representing District 6 from 2019 to 2022. A member of the Republican Party, Hanig transitioned to the North Carolina Senate after being appointed to fill a vacancy. His political career is marked by his involvement in local governance and his advocacy for various legislative measures during his time in office.

Early life and career

Bobby Hanig was born around 1963 or 1964. He served in the United States Army, which provided him with a foundation of discipline and leadership skills that would later influence his political career. Following his military service, Hanig relocated to North Carolina's Outer Banks, where he became involved in the rental property sector. His professional journey included establishing a swimming pool service company, The Pool Guy Aquatic Services, which he expanded into property management. Through these ventures, Hanig developed a strong connection to the local tourism industry and the homeowners in the area, which would later inform his political priorities.

In 2016, Hanig entered local politics by running for a position on the Currituck County Board of Commissioners. He successfully won the Republican primary without opposition and subsequently took office in December 2016. His tenure as a commissioner lasted until December 2018, during which he succeeded David Griggs and was later succeeded by Selina Jarvis. As a commissioner, Hanig took a firm stance against solar energy projects in Currituck County, expressing concerns about their impact on local residents. His opposition culminated in a vote in 2017 to ban future solar facility development in the county.

Legislative service

Bobby Hanig's legislative career began when he was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives in 2019. He won the Republican primary against incumbent Beverly Boswell, which set the stage for his candidacy in the general election. Hanig secured his seat in the House by defeating his opponent, Tess Judge, with a notable margin. During his first term, he sponsored six bills that addressed various issues relevant to his constituents and the broader North Carolina community.

Among the legislation he sponsored was a bill that allowed the College of the Albemarle to utilize state funds for building projects in collaboration with Dare County, aimed at enhancing educational facilities. Another significant bill focused on improving transportation efficiency for isolated schools in Currituck County. Additionally, Hanig worked on legislation related to local regulations concerning navigable waters and the restoration of the Federal Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act. He also sponsored a bill that designated the bottlenose dolphin as North Carolina's marine mammal, which successfully passed the House and was sent to the Senate Rules Committee for further consideration.

In 2020, Hanig sought reelection and faced Rob Rollason in the Republican primary. The campaign highlighted local issues, particularly those related to wind and solar energy projects. Hanig's support for the Second Amendment was a notable aspect of his political platform. He advocated for the Dare County Board of Commissioners to declare the county a Second Amendment Sanctuary, and in January 2020, he supported a resolution by the Currituck County commissioners that declared the county a Second Amendment Refuge. Hanig's commitment to protecting citizens' rights to bear arms was a defining feature of his legislative agenda.

Following the 2020 United States Census, redistricting altered the landscape of North Carolina's legislative districts. Hanig's District 6 was dismantled, with most of his constituents being reassigned to the 79th district, represented by Keith Kidwell. Hanig's residence in Powells Point was drawn into the 1st district, represented by Ed Goodwin. Rather than contesting a primary against either of these incumbents, Hanig announced his candidacy for the North Carolina Senate in District 3 in 2022. His political trajectory took a significant turn when he was appointed to the North Carolina Senate to complete the term of Bob Steinburg, who resigned to pursue a different political opportunity.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his time in the North Carolina House of Representatives and subsequently in the Senate, Bobby Hanig's policy focus reflected his background and the interests of his constituents. His experience in the rental property and tourism sectors informed his legislative priorities, particularly in areas related to economic development, education, and local governance. Hanig's advocacy for educational funding and infrastructure improvements highlighted his commitment to enhancing opportunities for residents in his district.

Hanig's opposition to solar energy projects in Currituck County was a notable aspect of his policy focus, as he expressed concerns about their implications for local communities. This stance resonated with constituents who shared similar views on energy development and its impact on the region's landscape and economy. His support for Second Amendment rights further underscored his alignment with the values of many voters in his district, reflecting a broader trend among Republican lawmakers in North Carolina.

As he transitioned to the North Carolina Senate, Hanig continued to engage with issues pertinent to his constituents, including economic development, education, and public safety. His appointment to the Senate positioned him to influence legislation at a higher level, allowing him to advocate for policies that aligned with the interests of the residents he represented.

Looking ahead, Hanig announced his intention to seek reelection for the state senate, indicating his ongoing commitment to public service and his desire to continue representing the interests of his constituents. Additionally, he expressed ambitions for a future political campaign, announcing his candidacy for North Carolina's 1st congressional district in the 2026 election. This move reflects his sustained engagement in the political arena and his willingness to pursue higher office in service of his community and state.