Josh Stein

Joshua Harold Stein is an American politician and lawyer currently serving as the 76th governor of North Carolina, having assumed office in 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, Stein previously held the position of North Carolina's attorney general from 2017 to 2025 and served in the North Carolina Senate from 2009 to 2016. His political career has been marked by a focus on consumer protection, public health, and civil rights.

Early life and career

Josh Stein was born on September 13, 1966, in Washington, D.C., to Jane and Adam Stein, who are of Jewish descent. His family relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, during his childhood and later settled in Chapel Hill. Stein's father was a co-founder of North Carolina's first integrated law firm, which likely influenced Stein's interest in law and public service.

Stein attended Chapel Hill High School, where he was a member of the state championship soccer team. After completing high school, he pursued higher education at Dartmouth College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1988. Following his undergraduate studies, he spent time teaching English and economics in Zimbabwe, an experience that broadened his perspective on education and global issues.

Stein continued his education at Harvard Law School, where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree. His early career included a variety of roles that combined legal work with public service. In the 1990s, he interned for State Representative Dan Blue, which provided him with foundational experience in the legislative process. After graduating from law school, he worked for the Self-Help Credit Union and the North Carolina Minority Support Center, focusing on economic empowerment and community development.

Stein gained significant political experience when he managed John Edwards's 1998 U.S. Senate campaign. Following the campaign, he served as Edwards's deputy chief of staff from January 1999 to December 2000. However, his tenure was marked by controversy, as some insiders indicated that personal dynamics influenced his role within the office.

In 2001, North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper appointed Stein as Senior Deputy Attorney General for Consumer Protection, a position he held until his election to the State Senate in 2008. During his time in the Senate, Stein was elected to represent the 16th district, defeating Republican John Alexander. He was re-elected in 2010 and subsequently appointed as minority whip by his colleagues. His legislative work included efforts to expand the state's DNA database, ban cyberstalking, enhance renewable energy tax credits, and improve school safety.

Governorship

In 2016, Stein made history by becoming the first Jewish individual to win a statewide election in North Carolina when he was elected attorney general. His tenure in this role was characterized by significant initiatives aimed at addressing pressing issues within the state. Notably, he worked to eliminate the backlog of untested sexual assault kits, which was the largest in the nation. This initiative led to arrests in several high-profile cases, underscoring his commitment to public safety and justice.

Stein also played a pivotal role in addressing the opioid crisis in North Carolina. He led a bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general in negotiating a national settlement framework with drug manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacy chains, resulting in a settlement exceeding $50 billion. North Carolina's share of this settlement was approximately $1.5 billion, with Stein ensuring that the majority of the funds would be allocated to prevention, harm reduction, treatment, or recovery efforts.

In addition to his work on opioids, Stein was proactive in defending the Affordable Care Act and took legal action against e-cigarette manufacturer Juul for its marketing practices targeting minors. His efforts resulted in substantial settlements that set a precedent for similar cases across the country. Throughout his time as attorney general, Stein also advocated for women's reproductive rights, opposing restrictive abortion laws and supporting access to healthcare.

In January 2023, Stein announced his candidacy for governor of North Carolina in the 2024 election. He received endorsements from prominent figures, including the outgoing governor, Roy Cooper, and numerous elected officials and organizations. Stein successfully advanced to the general election, where he faced Republican lieutenant governor Mark Robinson. His campaign focused on various issues, including public health, education, and economic development.

Stein won the gubernatorial election, defeating Robinson by a significant margin. His election marked a continuation of Democratic leadership in North Carolina, and he became the state's first Jewish governor.

Policy focus and legacy

As governor, Stein's policy focus is expected to build upon his previous work as attorney general, emphasizing consumer protection, public health, and civil rights. His experience in addressing the opioid crisis and advocating for women's rights positions him to tackle ongoing challenges in these areas. Stein's commitment to improving public safety and justice is likely to remain a cornerstone of his administration.

In addition to health and safety issues, Stein has expressed a desire to enhance educational opportunities and economic development in North Carolina. His background in law and public service provides a foundation for addressing complex issues facing the state, including economic inequality and access to quality education.

Stein's legacy as governor will be shaped by his ability to navigate the political landscape of North Carolina, a state known for its diverse population and varying political ideologies. His tenure will be closely watched as he implements policies aimed at fostering inclusivity and addressing the needs of all North Carolinians.

Overall, Josh Stein's journey from a young student in Chapel Hill to the governor of North Carolina reflects a commitment to public service and a dedication to addressing the pressing issues facing his state. His administration is poised to continue the work he has begun in previous roles, with a focus on creating a more equitable and just society for all residents of North Carolina.