Josh Stein is the 76th governor of North Carolina, taking office in 2025 after previously serving as the state’s attorney general from 2017 to 2025 and as a state senator from 2009 to 2016. A Democrat and North Carolina’s first Jewish governor, Stein is recognized for leading major opioid settlement negotiations, addressing the backlog of untested sexual assault kits, and championing consumer protections and environmental causes. Throughout his career, Stein has been a strong advocate for reproductive rights, voting rights, and public safety, and is known for his bipartisan approach to major issues in the state.

Quick Facts:

Current Role: Governor, North Carolina

Previous roles: Attorney General of North Carolina (2017–2025)
State Senator, North Carolina (2009–2016)
Deputy Attorney General of North Carolina

Education: Bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College
JD from Harvard Law School
Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School of Government

Background: Born September 13, 1966, in Washington, D.C.; raised in Chapel Hill and Charlotte; son of Jane (Stoneman) and Adam Stein; married to Anna Stein with three children

Career: High school teacher in Zimbabwe; attorney in private practice; led opioid settlement negotiations; eliminated sexual assault kit backlog; focused on consumer protection and environmental advocacy

Political positions: Democrat; strong supporter of reproductive rights, environmental protection, public safety, and voting rights

Legislative achievements: Led $50+ billion national opioid settlement; secured $1.5 billion for North Carolina; sponsored School Safety Act; expanded renewable energy tax credits; filed key briefs supporting the Affordable Care Act and access to abortion

Controversies: Faced legislative pushback when he refused to appeal a court ruling on felon disenfranchisement; accused by some legislative leaders of delaying the process