Josh Stein’s victory in this year’s North Carolina governor’s race was significant, marking a clear win in a state that has often been a battleground in national politics.
His opponent, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, was seen by many as one of the weakest Republican contenders in recent history, yet Stein’s success still stands out as a notable political achievement.
Despite the odds, Stein insists that his victory wasn’t the result of clever tactics or a single game-changing move but rather his commitment to working for the people.
Stein, a prosecutor with a long history in North Carolina politics, ran a campaign grounded in practicality and focus on issues that mattered most to voters, such as law enforcement, jobs, and women’s rights, especially around abortion.
Running against Robinson, whose controversial statements and behavior created a scandal late in the race, Stein managed to secure a decisive 15-point win.
At one point, the race had been seen as highly competitive, with national Republicans investing heavily in Robinson’s campaign, but Stein’s advantage grew as voters learned more about his opponent’s inflammatory past.
What made Stein’s victory even more impressive was that he not only won the governorship but helped Democrats secure down-ballot wins as well.
Democrats took every statewide race, including lieutenant governor, attorney general, and school superintendent. Additionally, they gained enough seats in the statehouse to break the Republican supermajority, while also winning the only competitive House seat in the South.
This shift in power was not just a personal achievement for Stein but a sign of broader political change in a traditionally conservative state.
Stein, however, remains humble about his success. In interviews, he has downplayed the idea that his campaign’s success was a result of complex strategies or high-profile media buys.
He believes that it was not about running an extraordinary campaign or using micro-targeting techniques, but about being genuine and relatable. According to Stein, voters want leaders who are focused on improving their lives, not on appearing polished or overly calculated.
In a recent interview, he explained that his victory didn’t hinge on brilliant tactics or flashy ads, as many might think. Rather, it was about showing voters that he truly cared about their concerns.
He said, “It’s not a satisfying answer because people want to know how. But I don’t think any of those things matter if voters don’t believe you are fighting for them.”
His straightforward approach resonated with voters, particularly those feeling left behind by political elites or disconnected from the political process.
North Carolina, Stein notes, is a microcosm of America, with its mix of urban growth, rural farmland, and deep-rooted racial divides. It’s a state that reflects the broader issues facing the nation—economic inequality, migration, and shifting demographics.
Yet, Stein’s advisers have acknowledged that replicating his success could be difficult for other Democrats. His unique position as a former state attorney general with a track record of tackling issues like rape kit backlogs and fentanyl crime gave him an edge that other candidates may not easily match.
Despite his educational background, including a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard and a law degree, Stein doesn’t see his experience as a blueprint for other Democrats to follow.
He doesn’t believe there’s a complex formula for winning, just a simple focus on helping people. “It’s like, ‘Are you working to help people have a better life?’” he said. “If you’ve done it and you’re talking about issues they care about, I think voters will reward you.”
Stein’s win was also shaped by his opponent’s scandals. Robinson, already known for controversial statements, found himself embroiled in further controversy when his past online posts were revealed, including one where he referred to himself as a “black Nazi.”
This scandal led to national Republicans pulling support from his campaign, leaving him with little backing as Stein pressed forward.
Throughout the campaign, Stein’s team worked hard to focus on his record of bipartisan work and his commitment to law enforcement.
Republicans had hoped to paint him as weak on crime and immigration, but Stein’s track record as attorney general, working to clear backlogs of rape kits and fight the opioid crisis, provided a strong counter-narrative. His team made sure voters saw him as a competent leader focused on real-world problems.
Stein’s victory wasn’t just a win for him but for the entire Democratic Party in North Carolina. The state had seen close races in recent years, but this win, which came amid a year of national political disappointment, was a bright spot.
As he moves into office, Stein faces the challenge of rebuilding the state after Hurricane Helene’s devastation, particularly in the western part of the state. He also faces a Republican-controlled legislature, which has already taken steps to limit his power.
Despite the challenges, Stein remains optimistic. He is focused on working for the people of North Carolina and is hopeful that, despite political disagreements, common ground can be found.
He’s also aware of the broader political landscape, with national figures like Trump continuing to influence the direction of the country.
But for now, Stein is focused on leading his state, rebuilding from the damage caused by the hurricane, and proving that his victory wasn’t just a stroke of luck—it was the result of hard work, genuine care for the people, and a commitment to making real change.
