(The Center Square) – Josh Stein is the governor of North Carolina, pledging his oath on Wednesday morning alongside his wife Anna.
Stein, 58, succeeds 67-year-old Roy Cooper and continues the pattern of all but three men holding the position being Democrats since 1900. He is the first of Jewish faith to be governor of the nation’s 12th state, and third consecutive attorney general to next ascend to governor in a pattern tracing back 32 years.
Mike Easley (attorney general 1993-2001, governor 2001-09) and Cooper (attorney general 2001-17, governor 2017-24) started the modest 21st century pattern. Democrat Jeff Jackson, back home from Congress, is next to continue or break the streak.
The public ceremonial swearing in, in conjunction with the Junior League of Raleigh’s Inaugural Ball, is Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. on the grounds of the Capitol. The Council of State is also ceremonially sworn in at that time, and Stein delivers his inaugural address.
Stein, before taking the oath on New Year’s Day, released a social media message. He said in part, “While the work ahead of us in the coming years will not be easy, the time is now to build a safer, stronger North Carolina, where our economy continues to grow and works for everyone. Where our public schools are excellent, and our teachers are well paid. And where our neighborhoods are safe, and our personal freedoms protected.
“And of course, we must act with urgency to help the people of western North Carolina recover. We can only accomplish these goals if we work together across our differences. I am confident we will do all of these things and more because together we are North Carolina strong.”
Stein, Ivy League educated at Dartmouth and Harvard, won election to the state Senate in 2008. He resigned the post in March 2016, successfully campaigning and winning election as the attorney general.
He campaigned for governor on prioritizing the economy, improving education, and adding jobs, along with more progressive goals like abortion access and the rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders, the queer and questioning, and those of identities not contained in the LGBTQ+ acronym.
Stein, in the video, also said, “Whether or not I earned your vote in the last election, I will work hard these next four years to earn your trust. I’m profoundly aware of the solemn responsibility of my oath; to support the Constitution and the laws of the United States, and of the state of North Carolina, and to faithfully serve our people and carry out my duties. I pledge to you that I will do all of that to the best of my abilities.”
