Josh Stein becomes Governor of North Carolina after taking oath of office on New Year's Day
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Governor-elect Josh Stein was sworn-in as North Carolina's 76th Governor at 11 a.m. Wednesday.
He was joined by his wife, Anna, and family. Stein swore to support the Constitution and laws of the United States and North Carolina and to faithfully perform the duties of the office of governor.
Stein's first words after the transfer of power were, "Happy New Year!"
Governor Roy Cooper offered words of welcome. 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. North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby administered the oath of office while Stein placed his hand on a historic Tanakh. Pastor James Gailliard and Rabbi Judith Schindler offered prayers and words of wisdom.
"As I take this oath of office, I am profoundly aware of the solemn responsibility before me: to uphold the Constitution of the State of North Carolina and to serve our people," said Governor Josh Stein. "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. And of course, we must act with urgency to help the people of western North Carolina recover from Hurricane Helene. And we will."
"I think he's got one of the most serious day one challenges anybody's ever had, and that is the devastation in western North Carolina to people's lives, to the economy, to the beauty of the place. There's just so much work that's going to have to be done and we need to all be in with both shoulders pushing forward," said Secretary of State Elaine Marshall.
Stein is set to announce Hurricane Helene recovery executive orders as his first actions as Governor during an event in Asheville Thursday.
"We must act with urgency to help the people of western North Carolina recover from Hurricane Helene. We must help rebuild housing, support small businesses, and restore broken infrastructure," said Stein.
The State Legislature has previously passed three rounds of disaster relief funding. The last round - SB 382 - also ushered in a series of electoral changes which separately shifted power among the Council of State.
Acting in his capacity as Attorney General, Stein joined Cooper in filing a legal challenge against sections of the legislation. Today however, Stein preached the importance of bipartisanship.
"We will go further when we go together. Not as Democrats, not as Republicans, not as independents, but as North Carolinians," said Stein.
Wednesday's swearing-in was not open to the public, with a small group of family, staffers, and elected officials among those who were in attendance.
"He's a North Carolinian and he cares about the people of North Carolina and he cares about the state. He is a tremendous public servant. And so he is the right person to be governor at this time. He's just a nice person and a tremendous individual," said Reuben Young, who retired Tuesday after serving as Civil Bureau Chief for the North Carolina Department of Justice.
Cooper, who is out of office for the first time since 1987, participated in a transfer of seal ceremony and spoke Wednesday.
"I will sleep well tonight knowing that I am your constituent and that you are my governor," said Cooper.
Stein's election
Stein was elected after a contentious race against opponent Mark Robinson, who was at the time, serving as the state's Lt. Governor.
Stein, like Cooper, catapulted from the attorney general's office to the Executive Mansion. The win makes Stein the first Jewish governor of the Tar Heel State.
During his acceptance speech on election night, Josh Stein said "NC 'embraced a vision' in electing him governor over challenger Mark Robinson."
Stein appeared on ABC News "This Week" where he said that his service as North Carolina's attorney general gave voters confidence and called the Tar Heel state a "bright spot" for Democrats on election night.
Stein takes office after lawmakers voted to override Cooper's veto of Senate Bill 382, which strips the Governor, Attorney General and State Superintendent of some powers.
In mid-December, Stein announced several nominees for cabinet positions.
WATCH | Josh Stein's election night victory speech
The inauguration will be Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 10 a.m. A pre-program starts at 9 a.m.
The day is capped off with the Junior League of Raleigh hosting the Inaugural Ball. ABC11 will have special coverage of the event.
SEE ALSO | New North Carolina laws that take effect in January 2025
