Joshua Harold Stein, known as Josh Stein, is an American attorney and politician who has served as the 50th Attorney General of North Carolina since 2017. Born on September 13, 1966, in Washington, D.C., Stein has dedicated much of his career to public service, focusing on consumer protection, public safety, and civil rights. His tenure as Attorney General has been marked by significant legal actions and policy reforms aimed at improving the lives of North Carolinians.
Early Life and Education
Stein’s early life was rooted in North Carolina, where his family moved when he was young. He attended Chapel Hill High School, where he was an active member of the school’s championship soccer team. After high school, Stein pursued higher education at Dartmouth College, earning a degree in History in 1988. Following his undergraduate studies, he taught English and economics in Zimbabwe before attending Harvard Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree. This diverse educational background laid the foundation for his future in law and public service.
Political Career
Stein’s political career began in 2009 when he was elected to the North Carolina Senate, representing District 16. During his time in the Senate, he focused on issues such as education, healthcare, and consumer protection. His legislative work earned him a reputation as a dedicated public servant committed to improving the lives of his constituents.
In 2016, Stein made history by becoming the first Jew to win a statewide election in North Carolina when he was elected Attorney General. He defeated Republican Buck Newton in the general election, marking a significant milestone in the state’s political landscape.
As Attorney General
Since taking office in 2017, Stein has prioritized several key areas
- Consumer ProtectionStein has taken legal action against companies engaging in fraudulent practices, including securing over $1 million in price-gouging cases. His office has also worked to protect consumers from data breaches and deceptive business practices.
- Opioid EpidemicStein led a bipartisan effort to negotiate a national settlement framework with drug companies over the nation’s opioid crisis, resulting in more than $50 billion in settlements. North Carolina’s share was $1.5 billion, which was allocated to prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery efforts.
- Sexual Assault Kit BacklogUnder Stein’s leadership, North Carolina worked to eliminate the nation’s largest backlog of untested sexual assault kits, leading to arrests in several cold cases and providing justice for victims.
- Voting RightsStein has been a staunch advocate for voting rights, defending the rights of individuals with felony convictions and opposing laws that would disenfranchise voters.
- Environmental ProtectionStein has supported initiatives to protect North Carolina’s natural resources, including efforts to address climate change and promote clean energy.
Transition to Governor
In 2024, Stein announced his candidacy for Governor of North Carolina. His campaign focused on issues such as increasing public school funding, promoting clean energy, and protecting reproductive rights. In the general election, Stein defeated Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who faced controversy over past social media posts, by a significant margin, becoming the state’s first Jewish governor.
As Governor, Stein has continued to prioritize the issues he championed as Attorney General, working to create a safer, stronger North Carolina. His administration has focused on disaster recovery, economic opportunity, and public education, aiming to build a more inclusive and equitable state.
Personal Life
Stein is married to Anna Harris Stein, and they have three children Sam, Adam, and Leah. The family resides in Raleigh, North Carolina. Stein is an active member of the Temple Beth Or in Raleigh and has been involved in various community organizations throughout his career.
Legacy and Impact
Josh Stein’s career has been characterized by a commitment to public service and a focus on issues that directly impact the lives of North Carolinians. His work in consumer protection, public safety, and civil rights has earned him recognition both within the state and nationally. As Governor, Stein continues to build on his legacy, striving to create a North Carolina that is safer, stronger, and more inclusive for all its residents.