Rockwall, Texas – John Hagaman, a longtime Rockwall resident and local business owner, has entered the race for Place 4 on the Rockwall City Council, formally announcing his candidacy Tuesday. After four decades in the community, Hagaman said his decision to run is rooted in a deep connection to the city he has called home since childhood.
Hagaman described Rockwall not simply as a place where he lives, but as a defining part of who he is. From growing up in the city to raising his own family there, he said his perspective has been shaped by watching Rockwall evolve over the years — for better and, at times, for worse. That firsthand experience, he said, has influenced his views on how the city should approach its future.
Over the past two years, Hagaman has built a record of public service through city appointments. In 2023, he was appointed to the City of Rockwall Architectural Review Board. By early 2024, he had been elected chairman of that board. Later in 2024, the Rockwall City Council unanimously appointed him to the Planning and Zoning Commission. In 2025, fellow commissioners selected him to serve as vice chairman, a role he currently holds.
During his time on the Planning and Zoning Commission, Hagaman said he has taken firm positions on development issues. He has opposed high-density housing projects and pushed back against multifamily developments. He has also said he has challenged commercial developers to meet higher standards before receiving approval. According to Hagaman, growth is inevitable, but it must be managed carefully and responsibly.
One issue he pointed to is the city’s comprehensive plan, which is currently under review. Hagaman said he intends to ensure that any updates to the plan reflect the expectations of Rockwall residents. He emphasized what he described as “classic Rockwall values,” saying those principles guide his decisions about the city’s long-term direction.
Infrastructure and public safety are also central to his campaign platform. Hagaman said he plans to continue advocating for road expansion and development to keep pace with growth. He also expressed support for maintaining strong financial backing for local police officers and firefighters. As Rockwall continues to expand, he said, protecting the city’s character while investing in essential services will be critical.
Beyond his civic involvement, Hagaman operates Star Outdoor, a commercial maintenance company where he serves as president and CEO. A graduate of Rockwall High School’s Class of 2000, he later earned both undergraduate and master’s degrees from Tarleton State University. He and his wife, Julie, are raising their son in Rockwall, where he attends Rockwall ISD. The family is also active at First United Methodist Church Rockwall.
Hagaman’s campaign for Place 4 centers on what he describes as conservative views and a common-sense approach to city governance. Drawing on his years of community involvement and business leadership, he said he hopes to play a larger role in shaping Rockwall’s future as it continues to grow.
