Hager then attended the University of Illinois College of Law, graduating with his Juris Doctor in 1974.

Hager then worked as an Assistant Attorney General, and then as the state's Deputy Insurance Commissioner.

When incumbent State Representative Adam Hasner was unable to seek re-election in 2010 due to term limits, Hager ran to succeed him in the 87th District, which stretched from Hypoluxo to Deerfield Beach in Broward County and Palm Beach County.

He won the Republican primary uncontested and faced Hava Holzhauer, an assistant states attorney in the general election.

Gustafson replaced Pamela Goodman, the previous nominee, after she withdrew due to her husband's deteriorating health.