Following a transformative 2026 midterm election across North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein held a press conference addressing the state’s shifting political landscape. Highlighting a dramatic night that saw Democrats flip control of the North Carolina House of Representatives and narrow Republican margins in the State Senate, Stein framed the outcome as a clear mandate from voters demanding bipartisan balance and common-sense leadership.
“The voters of North Carolina made their voices heard loudly and clearly,” Governor Stein said. “They want balance, they want common sense in their government… The voters want leaders who work together on their behalf.”
Eager to Work with New Legislative Leadership
With legislative control divided heading into the upcoming long session, Stein expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with legislative leaders—including House Speaker-elect Robert Reives and Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch.
Stein signaled that his administration’s chief focus will be addressing the everyday financial pressures facing residents across the state.
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Lowering Everyday Costs: Prioritizing bipartisan strategies to reduce household expenses, specifically targeting housing, electricity bills, and healthcare.
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Strengthening Public Safety: Expanding investments in local law enforcement training and community policing resources.
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Investing in Education & Workforce: Funding all tiers of the state’s education pipeline—from pre-K and K-12 to community colleges and universities.
Education Funding and Private School Vouchers
A major portion of the Governor’s address focused on K-12 public education funding and the state’s current school voucher expansion. Stein pointed out that North Carolina currently ranks 50th in the nation for per-child investment in public education, calling the figure “an embarrassment and wrong.”
Stein urged lawmakers to re-evaluate how state education dollars are spent, proposing that the $750 million annually currently allocated toward private school vouchers be reinvested directly back into public school classrooms.
“I firmly believe that each parent should decide for themselves what’s best for their child… But we don’t have enough dollars invested in public education today to be taking out $750 million a year away.” — Governor Josh Stein
Western North Carolina Helene Recovery
Governor Stein re-emphasized the urgent need for federal disaster relief for Western North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. While noting the state has received between $10 billion and $11 billion in federal aid to date, he stressed that total damages exceed $60 billion.
With former Governor Roy Cooper winning election to the U.S. Senate as part of a new Democratic Senate majority, Stein noted he plans to work closely with Senator-elect Cooper to push Congress for additional recovery relief appropriations before the year ends.
Legislative Strategy: Budget Negotiations and Vetoes
Addressing the shifting balance of power on Jones Street, Governor Stein noted that the new legislative breakdown provides Democrats with veto-sustaining numbers in both chambers. Rather than relying on executive vetoes, Stein expressed optimism that both parties can construct a unified budget without confrontation.
Stein also shared views on structural state governance and recent ballot measures:
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Redistricting Reform: Stein reiterated strong support for creating an independent redistricting commission, calling partisan gerrymandering a “political cancer” that discourages legislative responsiveness.
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Constitutional Amendments Caution: While voters approved tax-limiting constitutional amendments, Stein voiced concern over potential caps, warning that overly restrictive limits could hamper local governments’ ability to fund essential infrastructure, roads, and public libraries.
Watch the full press conference recording on YouTube.
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