Republican Hal Weatherman, candidate for NC lieutenant governor, answers our questions
READ MORE
Candidates for North Carolina lieutenant governor
The candidates for lieutenant governor in North Carolina are Republican Hal Weatherman, Democrat Rachel Hunt, Wayne Jones of the Constitution Party and Libertarian Shannon Bray. There is no incumbent. Get to know the candidates in our 2024 NC Voter Guide.
Expand All
%20(1).jpg)
To help inform voters about the Nov. 5, 2024, election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The News & Observer to help make this coverage possible.
Name: Hal Weatherman
Political party: Republican
Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 54
Campaign website: halweathermanfornc.com
Current occupation: President, Electoral Education Foundation
Professional experience: Chief of Staff, U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick; Chief of Staff, Lt. Gov. Dan Forest; Founder and President, Electoral Education Foundation
Education: BA, Wake Forest University; MA, Wheaton College
Please list any notable government or civic involvement: Chief of Staff, U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick; Chief of Staff, Lt. Gov. Dan Forest
What would be your top priority if elected?
My primary goal in seeking the office of lieutenant governor is to use the authority of the office to fundamentally remove the stigma our society has placed on working in the trades. The lieutenant governor serves on the State Board of Education and the State Community College Board of Directors, providing a unique opportunity of influence to advance a new culture in our state that values entrepreneurship, trade work and small business ownership.
What percentage raises should state employees and school personnel receive in the next state budget?
As lieutenant governor, I will not be a voting member on the budget except in the case of a tie. That said, I have publicly said state employees deserve a raise so our state can recruit and retain the best civil servants. This is especially true with members of the State Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies.
Will you attend all Council of State meetings?
Yes.
How will you work with the other nine members of the council?
I always worked well with the members of the Council of State during my tenure as chief of staff to Lt. Gov. Dan Forest and remain friends with some of the members to this day. I believe relationships are the key to government and politics.
The LG office has limited duties, one of which is presiding over the Senate. How often will you preside over sessions?
I will consistently preside over the Senate, although I can’t commit to a specific percentage of sessions over which I will preside. Furthermore, I believe the true power of the lieutenant governor comes from relationships and indirect influence. With that in mind, I will cultivate relationships with members of the Senate, and other branches of the government, to advance my priorities.
How do you see your role on the State Board of Education, and what are your priorities for public education?
Local control. Free teachers from “teaching to the test.” Armed school resource officers in all schools. School choice. Remove politics from the classroom. Remove DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) and CRT (Critical Race Theory) from the classroom. Return to basics. Bring back “shop” and promote trade work as an alternate to college.
If you win, and the governor is from a different political party, how will that impact your role as LG?
As chief of staff to Lt. Gov. Dan Forest, I had experiences serving under both a Republican governor and a Democratic governor. I have always been able to work constructively with people regardless of political background. Furthermore, I will seek to use the power of my office, both direct and indirect power, to advance my priorities regardless of who serves as governor.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?
I opposed the expansion of Medicaid.
.jpg)