RALEIGH, N.C. — On Wednesday, North Carolina welcomed its new Democratic governor, Josh Stein, who has taken over from Roy Cooper. This marks the second time in eight years that a Democrat has filled the state’s highest office.
Stein was sworn in during an intimate gathering held in the historic Senate chamber of the 1840 Capitol building, where he took his oath from Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby. The ceremony was attended by his wife, Anna, family, friends, and several state officials, including the outgoing governor, Roy Cooper. In his inaugural address, Stein expressed, “Today, I stand before you humbled by this responsibility, grateful for this opportunity and ready to get to work for you, the people of North Carolina.”
Stein’s victory over GOP Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson by almost a 15-point margin in November upholds the Democratic tradition in North Carolina’s executive branch. Notably, Democrats have maintained dominance in the gubernatorial elections, winning eight of the last nine since 1992, even as Republicans have exerted influence over the General Assembly and state appellate courts.
Having served as attorney general for the previous eight years, Stein followed in Cooper’s footsteps in this law enforcement role. Cooper’s inability to seek a third consecutive term due to state constitutional restrictions led to Stein’s ascent. During the ceremony, Cooper welcomed Stein with encouraging words, stating, “Governor, this will be the best job you have ever had.”
Nevertheless, Stein’s authority as governor has already faced challenges from Republican legislators who recently overrode a veto from Cooper on a comprehensive bill that limits the governor’s ability to oversee elections, appoint appellate judges, and select the Highway Patrol commander. In light of these changes, both Stein and Cooper have initiated legal actions to contest modifications regarding the Highway Patrol and the state election board.
During his speech, Stein refrained from addressing these legal disputes but chose to highlight the importance of unity and collaboration, emphasizing the need to rise above “the politics of division, fear, and hate that keep us from finding common ground.” He outlined his vision for a prosperous future, stating, “The time is now to build a safer, stronger North Carolina, where our economy continues to grow and works for more people, where our public schools are excellent and our teachers are well paid, where our neighborhoods are safe and our personal freedoms are protected.”
Stein also stressed the urgency for the state to assist western North Carolina in recovering from the severe flooding inflicted by Hurricane Helene in September. Recovery efforts will focus on vital areas such as housing, small businesses, and infrastructure. In a recent legislative move, Congress approved additional funding, providing at least $9 billion in storm assistance for North Carolina.
The new governor is expected to reveal executive orders supporting hurricane recovery efforts in Asheville on Thursday.
At 58 years old, Stein has local ties, having grown up in Charlotte and Chapel Hill as the son of a respected civil rights attorney. An alumnus of Harvard Law School, he gained national attention as the campaign manager for John Edwards during his successful U.S. Senate election in 1998. Stein later served as a senator for a Raleigh district before transitioning to the attorney general role in 2016.
Notably, Stein becomes the first Jewish governor in North Carolina’s history. During the swearing-in, he placed his hand on an 1891 edition of the Tanakh, the Hebrew Bible, which is a cherished artifact provided by a descendant of early Charlotte settlers.
In addition, during the event, Stein and Cooper ceremoniously transferred possession of a historic embossing device used to create the state seal, a significant emblem of gubernatorial authority.
The close-knit ceremony, attended by nearly 100 people, was broadcasted live for wider viewing. Additionally, a larger outdoor inauguration featuring Stein and other Council of State members is scheduled for January 11. As outlined in the state constitution, the terms for council members began on January 1, prompting several officials, including new Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt, State Auditor Dave Boliek, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green, to take their oaths formally.
