Stein sworn in as 76th governor of North Carolina

On New Year’s Day, Josh Stein was sworn in as the 76th Governor of North Carolina during a ceremony in the Old Senate Chambers at the historic Capitol in Raleigh. On Thursday, his first full day in office, Stein is reportedly visiting Asheville for an announcement of his first executive order regarding Hurricane Helene relief funds.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby administered the oath of office on January 1, with Stein’s wife, Anna, and their family in attendance. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall presided over the ceremony for the transfer of the Great Seal of the State and witnessed the Oath of Office. 

Former Governor Roy Cooper also attended. A larger public inauguration is scheduled for January 11 and 12, 2025, in Raleigh, when the remaining Council of State members will also be sworn into office. Stein announced his cabinet picks in December, holding over some key positions like budget director and head of public safety.

In his inaugural address, Governor Stein emphasized his commitment to building a “safer, stronger North Carolina,” highlighting priorities such as economic growth, public education, and public safety. He also underscored the urgency of aiding western North Carolina’s recovery from Hurricane Helene, which caused significant flooding in September.

“The work ahead of us is significant, but the time is now to build a safer, stronger North Carolina, where our economy continues to grow and works for everyone, where our public schools are excellent and our teachers are well-paid, and where our neighborhoods are safe and our personal freedoms are protected,”  said Governor Josh Stein. “And of course, we must act with urgency to help the people of western North Carolina recover from Hurricane Helene. And we will.”

Stein, 58, is the state’s first Jewish governor. He placed his hand on an 1891 edition of the Tanakh, the Hebrew Bible, during the oath. Pastor James Gailliard and Rabbi Judith Schindler offered prayers for the ceremony.

The Junior League of Raleigh is hosting three days of inauguration festivities from January 9 – 11, 2025, including networking events and the Inaugural Ball on January 11 at Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh.

Prior to his governorship, Stein served as North Carolina’s attorney general from 2017 to 2025, focusing on consumer protection, combating the opioid crisis. He also served in the North Carolina Senate from 2009 to 2016.

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