Bev Perdue

Beverly Marlene Eaves Perdue, born on January 14, 1947, is an American politician and businesswoman who served as the 73rd governor of North Carolina from 2009 to 2013. A member of the Democratic Party, Perdue made history as the first woman to hold the office of governor in North Carolina. Her political career spans several decades, during which she held various positions, including serving in the North Carolina House of Representatives, the North Carolina Senate, and as the state's lieutenant governor. Perdue's tenure as governor was marked by significant challenges, including low approval ratings that ultimately influenced her decision not to seek re-election.

Early life and career

Beverly Marlene Moore was born in Grundy, Virginia, to Alfred P. and Irene Morefield Moore. Her father worked as a coal miner and later became the CEO of a large utility company, which likely influenced her understanding of business and public service from a young age. Perdue pursued higher education at the University of Kentucky, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1969. She continued her academic journey at the University of Florida, obtaining a Master of Education degree in community college administration in 1974 and a Ph.D. in Education Administration in 1976.

Perdue's political career began in the 1980s when she was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives, serving from 1987 to 1991. During her time in the House, she represented Craven, Lenoir, and Pamlico counties. Following her tenure in the House, she transitioned to the North Carolina Senate, where she served from 1991 to 2001, representing Craven, Carteret, and Pamlico counties. Throughout her legislative career, Perdue was involved in various significant initiatives, including co-chairing the Appropriations Committee during her last three terms in the Senate. She played a role in increasing teacher pay, supporting Governor Jim Hunt's Excellent Schools Act, and advocating for the creation of the Clean Water Management Trust Fund. Additionally, she fought for enhanced benefits for senior citizens and served on the House Judiciary Committee, as well as chairing the Senate Education Committee.

In 2000, Perdue was elected as the first woman lieutenant governor of North Carolina, defeating Republican candidate Betsy Cochrane. She was re-elected to this position in 2004. As lieutenant governor, one of her notable actions was casting the tie-breaking vote that established the North Carolina Education Lottery, a significant development in the state's educational funding landscape.

Governorship

Perdue announced her candidacy for governor on October 1, 2007, in her hometown of New Bern, North Carolina. She secured the Democratic nomination for governor on May 6, 2008, defeating opponents Richard H. Moore and Dennis Nielsen. During her campaign, she raised substantial funds and ran advertisements that criticized her Republican opponent, Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, particularly regarding his stance on illegal immigration. The campaign faced scrutiny and investigations related to donation irregularities, which resulted in a fine for late reporting of campaign flights.

On November 4, 2008, Perdue won the gubernatorial election against McCrory, receiving approximately 50.3% of the vote compared to his 46.9%. She was sworn in as governor on January 10, 2009, becoming the first woman to hold this position in North Carolina's history.

Perdue's governorship was characterized by various challenges, including a struggling economy and low approval ratings. In January 2012, she announced that she would not seek re-election in the 2012 gubernatorial election, marking her as the first Democratic governor of North Carolina since Robert W. Scott to serve a single term. This decision also made her the only Democratic governor in the state's history to choose not to run for re-election.

Policy focus and legacy

During her time in office, Perdue's policy focus aligned with the Democratic Party's priorities, particularly in education and economic development. She advocated for the allocation of funds from the educational lottery to support the state's operational budget, emphasizing the importance of maintaining educational services during economic downturns. Her administration also prioritized teacher pay increases, reflecting her longstanding commitment to education.

Perdue's use of the veto power was notable, as she exercised it for the first time on a bill that would have altered the accessibility of documents used by lawmakers in drafting legislation. This action underscored her commitment to transparency and accountability in government.

Despite her efforts, Perdue faced significant political challenges, including a difficult economic climate and declining approval ratings, which ultimately influenced her decision not to seek a second term. Her governorship is remembered for its historical significance as she broke gender barriers in North Carolina politics and for her contributions to educational policy and public service.

After leaving office, Perdue has remained a prominent figure in North Carolina's political landscape. As of 2025, following the death of Jim Hunt, she is recognized as the oldest surviving Democratic governor in the state. Her legacy continues to be a topic of discussion in the context of North Carolina's evolving political dynamics and the role of women in leadership positions within the state.