40 Facts About Josh Stein

Early Life and Education

Josh Stein's journey began in Washington, D.C., but his path soon led to North Carolina, where he would make a significant impact.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on September 13, 1966, in Washington, D.C., Stein's family later moved to Charlotte and then Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
2. Family Legacy: His father, Adam Stein, co-founded North Carolina's first integrated law firm, setting a precedent for justice and equality.
3. High School Achievements: Stein attended Chapel Hill High School, where he played on the state championship soccer team.
4. College Education: He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Dartmouth College in 1988.
5. Teaching Abroad: After college, Stein taught English and economics in Zimbabwe for two years, broadening his global perspective.
6. Harvard Degrees: Stein graduated from Harvard Law School and the Kennedy School of Government in 1995, earning a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and a Master in Public Policy (M.P.P.).

Early Career and Political Beginnings

Stein's early career laid the foundation for his future in public service and politics.

7. Internship with Dan Blue: In the 1990s, Stein interned for State Representative Dan Blue, gaining valuable legislative experience.
8. Campaign Manager for John Edwards: From 1997 to 2000, he worked as a campaign manager and deputy chief of staff for Senator John Edwards.
9. Senior Deputy Attorney General: Before becoming Attorney General, Stein served as the senior deputy attorney general for consumer protection from 2001 to 2008.

State Senate Career

Stein's tenure in the North Carolina Senate was marked by a focus on consumer protection and public health.

10. State Senate Service: Stein served in the North Carolina Senate from 2009 to 2016, representing the 16th Senate district.
11. Consumer Protection Focus: During his tenure, he championed consumer protection laws to safeguard North Carolinians from corporate malfeasance.
12. Public Health Initiatives: Stein also prioritized public health issues, advocating for policies that improved community well-being.

Attorney General of North Carolina

As Attorney General, Stein has made significant strides in various areas, from consumer protection to environmental sustainability.

13. Election as Attorney General: In 2016, Stein won the Democratic nomination for Attorney General of North Carolina and defeated Republican state senator Buck Newton in the general election.
14. Re-election in 2020: Stein was re-elected in 2020, defeating Republican Forsyth County district attorney Jim O'Neill.
15. Consumer Protection Efforts: Stein has held corporate wrongdoers accountable and made polluters pay for their environmental damage.
16. Reproductive Rights Defense: He has defended reproductive rights, ensuring women have access to essential healthcare services.
17. Voting Rights Advocacy: Stein has worked to protect voting rights, ensuring all eligible citizens can participate in the democratic process.
18. Education Advocacy: He has emphasized the importance of stronger schools and better educational opportunities for all North Carolinians.
19. Community Safety Initiatives: Stein has focused on creating safer communities by addressing crime, public safety, and emergency response.
20. Healthcare Access: He has advocated for increased access to healthcare services, particularly for underserved populations.
21. Environmental Protection: Stein has made efforts to protect the environment by holding polluters accountable and promoting sustainable practices.
22. Economic Development: He supports economic development initiatives that benefit all North Carolinians, not just special interests.

Campaign for Governor

Stein's campaign for governor focuses on issues like safer communities, stronger schools, and personal freedom.

23. Governor Campaign: Stein won the Democratic nomination for governor in the 2024 primary and is running against Republican lieutenant governor Mark Robinson.
24. Campaign Focus: His campaign emphasizes safer communities, stronger schools, and personal freedom.
25. Polling Numbers: Recent polls indicate that Stein is leading in the gubernatorial election against Mark Robinson.
26. Campaign Strategy: Stein's strategy focuses on grassroots mobilization and community engagement.
27. Fundraising Efforts: The campaign relies heavily on fundraising efforts to sustain its momentum.
28. Public Appearances: Stein frequently appears at public events, rallies, and debates to connect with voters.
29. Media Coverage: He has received extensive media coverage, raising awareness about his candidacy and the issues he addresses.
30. Endorsements: Stein has received endorsements from prominent figures within the Democratic Party, including Vice President Kamala Harris.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond his professional achievements, Stein's personal life and interests reflect his commitment to community and family.

31. Family Background: Stein and his wife, Anna, live in Raleigh and have three children who all attended North Carolina public schools.
32. Religious Affiliation: The family is active in Temple Beth Or, a Reform Jewish synagogue.
33. Personal Interests: Stein enjoys biking, watching college sports, and following the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team.
34. Soccer Enthusiast: In his younger days, he played soccer, a sport he continues to follow closely.

Community Involvement and Leadership

Stein's commitment to community service and leadership extends beyond his political career.

35. Truth Initiative Board Member: As of 2020, Stein served on the board of the Truth Initiative, a non-profit focused on tobacco control and public health.
36. Triangle Family Services Advisory Board: He previously served on the advisory board of Triangle Family Services, supporting families in need.
37. InterAct Capital Campaign Co-Chair: Stein co-chaired InterAct's capital campaign, aiding victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
38. Democratic Party Leadership: As a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, Stein has been involved in various national and state-level campaigns.
39. Policy Initiatives: Stein has introduced several policy initiatives aimed at improving the lives of North Carolinians, including expanding healthcare access and promoting environmental sustainability.
40. Future Vision: Stein envisions a North Carolina that is safer, more equitable, and environmentally sustainable, driving his campaign and inspiring his supporters.

Josh Stein: A Leader for North Carolina's Future

Josh Stein's journey from a young boy in Washington, D.C., to North Carolina's Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate is nothing short of inspiring. His dedication to consumer protection, voting rights, education, and environmental sustainability showcases his commitment to the people of North Carolina. Stein's leadership style, focusing on justice and equality, has earned him a reputation as a public servant who genuinely cares about his community.

With a strong background in law and public policy, Stein has consistently taken on powerful special interests to protect families and communities. His campaign for governor emphasizes safer communities, stronger schools, and personal freedom. As he continues to connect with voters and build support, Stein's vision for a better North Carolina remains clear. His dedication to public service and community involvement makes him a leader worth watching in the upcoming election.