Democratic candidate for NC governor, Josh Stein, answers our questions
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Candidates for North Carolina governor
The candidates for governor in North Carolina are Democrat Josh Stein, Republican Mark Robinson, Libertarian Mike Ross, Michael Wayne Turner of the Green Party and Vinny Smith of the Constitution Party. There is no incumbent. Get to know the candidates in our 2024 NC Voter Guide.
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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: Josh Stein
Political party: Democrat
Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 58
Campaign website: joshstein.org
Current occupation: North Carolina Attorney General
Professional experience: NC Attorney General (2017-2024), NC State Senator (2009-2016), Of Counsel at Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP (2012-2016), Senior Deputy Attorney General for Consumer Protection (2001-2008), Real Estate Project Manager at the Self-Help Credit Union (1995-1997)
Education: Dartmouth College (BA), Harvard University (MPP, JD)
Please list any notable government or civic involvement. I’ve been honored to serve as the state’s attorney general since 2017, as a state senator representing Wake County before that, and as the senior deputy attorney general for Consumer Protection under then-Attorney General Roy Cooper.
What would be your top priority if elected?
My top priority is investing in NC public schools. As attorney general, I have worked tirelessly to get public schools fully funded. I have fought for high-quality teachers in every classroom and more high quality pre-kindergarten slots for North Carolina children. I was honored to receive the NCAE’s (N.C. Association of Educators) endorsement as the governor candidate “best for education.” The best way to continue building a strong economy is to strengthen our workforce by preparing our kids for the jobs of the future.
What percentage raises should state employees and school personnel receive in the next state budget?
We have a statewide vacancy crisis in critical jobs, both in our schools and in state government. Compensating our workers fairly is a big part of how we can solve this crisis. That’s why I support Gov. Cooper’s recommendation of at least a 5% across-the-board increase for state-funded employees, and an 8.5% average total raise for all existing teachers. I’m honored to be endorsed by the NCAE and SEANC (the State Employees Association of North Carolina), and as governor, I will continue fighting to ensure our state properly values its public servants.
Will you attend all Council of State meetings, and how will you find common ground with the other nine elected officials?
I will attend the Council of State meetings. As attorney general, I have consistently worked across the aisle to tackle tough challenges for our state – and deliver. I have worked with Democrats and Republicans in the General Assembly to fight opioids, end the rape kit backlog, protect kids from sex assault, and improve the criminal justice system. Good ideas don’t come with party labels, and we can’t limit our solutions to working with just one party or the other.
If there’s another pandemic, how should the next North Carolina governor respond?
From COVID-19, we learned the importance of collaborating with a variety of stakeholders: lawmakers, scientists, and public health experts. We must invest in scientific innovation and support the public health work of the NC Department of Health and Human Services to be prepared for any such crisis in the future. The COVID-19 pandemic also had a significant impact on our students. We have to do everything in our power to ensure that student learning is always prioritized.
What do you think of the General Assembly’s reduction of gubernatorial appointments to several boards and commissions?
North Carolinians deserve a government that works for them. This General Assembly is violating our state’s separation of powers to amass even more power. Our state constitution created three co-equal and independent branches of government. The legislature is not content with its own authority; its leaders want to encroach on the other branches, as well. We must restore balance in state government by winning the governor’s office and breaking the Republican supermajority in the General Assembly.
At how many weeks pregnancy should state law ban abortion? What exceptions should there be, and at how many weeks?
Deciding to have a baby is among the most personal decisions a woman can make; it should be made in consultation with her loved ones and her doctor – not by politicians like my opponent. As attorney general, I have defended access to reproductive health care for all women, including members of the military. As governor, I’ll continue to defend women’s rights. Meanwhile, my opponent for governor supports a total abortion ban without exception, not for rape, incest, or the life of the mother.
North Carolina has consistently scored high in national publications’ business rankings. How would you maintain or improve its business climate?
I believe in the promise of North Carolina that if you work hard, where you come from should never limit how far you can go. Instead of waging job-killing culture wars like my opponent, I’ll keep fighting to invest in our people. I will ensure small businesses are set up for success and strengthen career and technical education, especially in our state’s growing, high-demand industries. Finally, I will prioritize infrastructure investments like broadband, roads, and railroads.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?
I work for the people of North Carolina – not a political party. That’s why when given the chance, I pushed the Biden administration on fentanyl, urging them to put more pressure on China and Mexico to stem the tide of fentanyl at our borders and keep people safe. My opponent does whatever his party bosses tell him to do – even if it harms North Carolinians. That’s why when Donald Trump ordered his minions to kill the strongest bipartisan border security bill in a generation, he fell in line.
This story was originally published October 3, 2024 at 4:41 PM.
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