Josh Stein Wins North Carolina’s Governor Race. What’s Next for Schools

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This article is part of The 74’s EDlection 2024 coverage, which takes a look at candidates’ education policies and how they might impact the American education system after the 2024 election.

In a landslide victory for a Democrat in a swing state, Josh Stein will become North Carolina’s next governor over MAGA-backed opponent Mark Robinson. 

Stein, who will be the state’s first Jewish governor, has singled out improving the state’s schools as his top priority as he switches roles from attorney general. He will succeed current Democratic governor Roy Cooper, who could not seek re-election as his term expired. 

Though his win was anticipated by experts as the Robinson campaign crumbled in the wake of multiple scandals over the last few weeks, the vote was historic for North Carolina, which typically sees wins below a 4-point margin. Stein claimed a 14-point victory.

In September, as polls began showing favor for Stein, CNN reported Robinson called himself a “Black Nazi” and said “slavery is not bad” on a porn site. His staffers quit and donations dried up. Former endorser President Donald Trump distanced himself.

Addressing supporters on election night after the race was called, moderate Stein rejected “hate” and re-emphasized his commitment to working across party lines for progress. 

“We have big challenges ahead, but we have even bigger dreams to realize,” Stein said. “…We must reject the politics of division, fear and hate that keep us from finding common ground. We will go further when we go together. Not as Democrats, not as Republicans, not as independents, but as North Carolinians.”

For schools, Stein campaigned on plans to improve youth mental health by recruiting counselors, nurses and social workers; increasing teacher pay; expanding career and vocational education; and providing universal school meals. Stein was endorsed by the state’s teachers union. 

Robinson, in contrast, threatened to reject billions of federal funding for education and campaigned on expanding the voucher system that allows families to attend private schools with public funding. 

Robinson’s flare for hateful, anti-LGBTQ and misogynistic rhetoric, condemned by the NAACP, would have also likely fueled disrespect for educators, whom he called “wicked,” and distrust for the department of education, which he had said he wanted to get rid of entirely. 

While electing Stein, voters split their ballots to support Trump, but also elected a Democratic schools chief, overlooking party affinities in the interest of their childrens’ education. Democrat Mo Green, a large-district superintendent, claimed victory early Wednesday morning for state superintendent, earning 119,000 more votes than right-wing homeschooling advocate and January 6 insurrectionist Michele Morrow. 

Governor-elect Stein grew up in Chapel Hill, a college town, before studying history, law and government. He taught English and economics in Zimbabwe and served as a state senator for seven years before becoming attorney general in 2017. 

Stein has also promised to protect abortion rights, in a state where Republican lawmakers are discussing restricting access with a 6-week ban. 

A critical seat in the state legislature also flipped Democrat this Election Day, removing Republicans’ supermajority, which they used to repeatedly bypass Governor Cooper’s vetoes and enact legislation against LGBTQ youth. The body may now be forced to negotiate more with Stein. 

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