John Alan Torbett

John Alan Torbett is the incumbent Republican member of the North Carolina House of Representatives for District 108, covering northeastern Gaston County. The North Carolina House is a 120‑member lower chamber that meets annually to draft, debate, and vote on state legislation, approve the state budget, and provide constituent services; members serve two‑year terms and sit on standing and select committees that shape policy in specific areas ¹. Torbett is seeking re‑election in the 2026 general election for the same seat ¹.

Born May 21, 1956 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Torbett earned college credits at Middle Tennessee State University (1975‑1977) ⁷. He resides in Stanley, North Carolina, and is married with one child ⁷. His professional background is in manufacturing and defense technology; he has been Vice President of North Carolina Operations for Defense Technologies, Inc. since 2003 and previously served as CEO of Corrugated Converting ¹.

Before entering state politics, Torbett served eight years on the Gaston County Board of Commissioners (2002‑2010) ⁴⁷. He was first elected to the state House in 2010 and has been re‑elected every two years, most recently in 2020 ⁴. Over his tenure he has held numerous leadership positions on key committees. In the 2023‑2024 session he is Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Chair of the Appropriations‑Education Committee, Chair of the Education‑K‑12 Committee, and Vice Chair of the House Redistricting Committee, among others ¹. Earlier sessions show a consistent focus on appropriations, education, transportation, and redistricting, including chairing the Appropriations‑Transportation Committee (2019‑2020) and serving as Senior Chair of the Transportation Committee (2019‑2020) ¹.

Torbett’s legislative record includes sponsoring bills on economic policy, education, and government efficiency. In 2017 he introduced H‑249, “Economic Terrorism,” proposing felony penalties for boycott activities ⁴. In 2025 he was named co‑chair of the new Select Committee on Government Efficiency, reflecting his emphasis on streamlined state operations ²⁰. He has also been active in community organizations, serving on the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum board, various Republican party committees, and local civic groups ⁷.

Outside the legislature, Torbett continues his business role at Defense Technologies and maintains a presence in his district through a constituent office in Raleigh (300 N. Salisbury St., Room 538) and a local mailing address in Stanley ³. He communicates with voters via his campaign website, social media, and a public email address ([email protected]) ¹⁸.

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