Josh Stein, born on September 13, 1966, in Washington, D.C., has dedicated his career to public service and legal advocacy, culminating in his current role as the 76th Governor of North Carolina. Raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Stein’s upbringing was deeply influenced by his parents, Adam and Jane Stein, who instilled in him values of justice, equality, and community service. His father co-founded North Carolina’s first integrated law firm, setting a precedent for Stein’s commitment to civil rights and social justice.
Political Path to Becoming Governor
Stein’s career in public service began with his education at Dartmouth College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1988. Following his undergraduate studies, he taught English and economics in Zimbabwe. He then obtained a Juris Doctor and a Master of Public Policy from Harvard University. After returning to North Carolina, Stein worked with the Self-Help Credit Union, focusing on the development of affordable housing and support for small businesses.
In 2001, Stein joined the North Carolina Department of Justice as Senior Deputy Attorney General for Consumer Protection, where he worked on issues related to predatory lending and consumer rights. His political career progressed when he was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2008, representing the 16th district. During his time in the Senate, he addressed public education, clean energy, and public safety initiatives.
In 2016, Stein was elected as North Carolina’s Attorney General, becoming the first Jewish individual to win a statewide election in the state. He was re-elected in 2020, serving until 2025. As Attorney General, Stein focused on addressing the opioid crisis, protecting consumers from fraud, and advocating for environmental justice. His contributions in these areas have contributed to his standing in public service.
Most Recent Election Victory
In January 2023, Stein announced his candidacy for Governor of North Carolina in the 2024 election. He secured the Democratic nomination and faced Republican Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson in the general election. The campaign was marked by significant controversy surrounding Robinson, including revelations of past inflammatory comments and scandals, which led to a decline in his support. Stein won the election by a margin of 14.8%, a decisive victory that underscored his widespread appeal across the state. He was sworn in as Governor on January 1, 2025, becoming North Carolina’s first Jewish governor.
Key Proposals and Policies
Governor Stein’s administration is centered on creating a safer and more prosperous North Carolina. His key initiatives include:
- Hurricane Helene Recovery: In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, Stein has prioritized recovery efforts in western North Carolina. He established the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC) to coordinate rebuilding efforts and has actively sought federal assistance to address the nearly $60 billion in damages.
- Economic Development: Stein is focused on boosting economic growth by supporting small businesses, investing in infrastructure, and developing workforce programs to create jobs across the state.
- Education: Stein advocates for increased funding for public schools, competitive salaries for teachers, and expanded access to early childhood education.
- Public Safety: Based on his experience as Attorney General, Stein aims to implement comprehensive criminal justice reform, enhance community policing efforts, and address issues such as the opioid epidemic through prevention and treatment programs.
Stances on Economic Issues
Governor Stein’s economic policies focus on inclusivity and sustainability. His approach includes:
- Support for Small Businesses: Stein stresses that small businesses are essential to the state’s economy. He suggests giving grants and low-interest loans to entrepreneurs in underserved communities to boost local growth.
- Infrastructure Investment: To enhance the state’s infrastructure, Stein supports investments in transportation, broadband access, and renewable energy projects, with the goal of creating jobs and improving residents’ quality of life.
- Workforce Development: Stein supports vocational training and apprenticeship programs to equip workers with the skills needed in a rapidly evolving job market, ensuring that North Carolinians are prepared for high-demand industries.
Stances on Social Issues
Governor Stein is a proponent of progressive social policies, including:
- Reproductive Rights: In anticipation of potential federal restrictions, Stein has implemented measures to protect reproductive health services in North Carolina. This includes executive orders safeguarding patient privacy and ensuring access to legal reproductive care.
- LGBTQ+ Issues: Stein is committed to protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. He opposes discriminatory legislation and supports policies that promote inclusivity and equality for all residents.
- Criminal Justice Reform: Stein advocates for reforms aimed at reducing recidivism, eliminating systemic biases, and ensuring fair treatment within the criminal justice system.
Stances on Educational Issues
Education is a cornerstone of Governor Stein’s agenda. His policies include:
- Increased Funding: Stein supports fully funding North Carolina’s public schools through the Leandro Plan, ensuring that all students have access to quality education.
- Teacher Support: Stein advocates for competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and resources to support teachers in the classroom.
- Access to Early Education: Stein emphasizes the importance of early childhood education and seeks to expand access to pre-kindergarten programs, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Stances on Immigration
Stein’s administration has remained comparatively neutral on the current debate over immigration enforcement.