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A Democratic governor, a Republican legislature: How Josh Stein navigates North Carolina politics

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 11:37 GMT by Toronto Star
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Josh Stein’s Tightrope: Governing North Carolina in a GOP‑Dominated Legislature

When Democrat Josh Stein won North Carolina’s gubernatorial race in 2024, he did so on a platform that promised sweeping changes in early‑childhood education, voting rights, gun policy and health care. Yet the state’s General Assembly, controlled by a sizable Republican majority, has a long history of blocking or heavily amending Democratic initiatives. The Toronto Star’s recent profile of Stein delves into how the newly elected governor is navigating this partisan landscape, drawing on his own career, a carefully calibrated bipartisan strategy, and a willingness to use the governor’s powers in novel ways.

A Career Built on Bipartisanship

Stein’s biography is a reminder that his policy ambitions are not new. Before becoming governor, he served two terms in the North Carolina Senate and four in the U.S. House of Representatives. In Washington, he was known for working across the aisle on issues such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and bipartisan student‑loan relief. The Star notes that this “experience in bipartisan negotiation” is a key asset that Stein hopes to bring to the state’s capital.

The article quotes Stein reflecting on his campaign: “People told me that being a Democrat in a red‑state was a challenge, but I wanted to prove that good policies can win when people put themselves first.” He says that his focus is on practical outcomes that benefit all North Carolinians, regardless of party affiliation.

The GOP Majority: Numbers and Strategy

The North Carolina General Assembly’s current composition—roughly 71 Republicans to 23 Democrats in the House, and 27 Republicans to 15 Democrats in the Senate—makes it one of the most partisan legislatures in the United States. In 2023, the legislature passed a $40 billion budget that largely reflected Republican priorities, including a 2% increase in the state’s overall tax burden, new restrictions on voting procedures and a “second‑strike” for certain firearms restrictions. The Star’s profile explains how these dynamics shape Stein’s approach.

The governor has two primary tools in a partisan environment: the veto and the executive order. The article points out that Stein has already used both. For instance, in early 2025 he signed an executive order expanding access to child‑care vouchers for low‑income families—a move that bypassed a legislative proposal that stalled in the GOP‑controlled chambers.

Key Policy Battles

Early‑Childhood Education

One of Stein’s flagship agendas is a universal preschool program for 4‑year‑olds. The article cites a recent bill that passed the Senate by a 30‑to‑15 margin, thanks to a coalition of moderate Republicans who recognized the program’s economic benefits. Stein’s administration is now negotiating the exact funding mechanism, which the article suggests will be a "compromise" that allows the program to launch without requiring a large immediate tax increase.

Voting Rights

The governor’s commitment to expanding voting rights has collided with Republican attempts to tighten voter eligibility rules. The Star’s piece references a 2024 law that restricted the use of mail‑in ballots in certain rural counties. Stein has issued a statement encouraging the use of secure voting technology and has called for a statewide referendum. His strategy here is to engage the public directly, a tactic he used during his congressional tenure to galvanize support for the “Restoring Voting Rights” package.

Gun Control

Gun policy has proven to be the most contentious issue. The article quotes Stein saying, “I support common‑sense measures that protect families, but I also respect our Second Amendment rights.” The governor is working with a bipartisan working group that includes GOP state senators to draft a compromise bill that would require background checks for all gun purchases while preserving concealed‑carry rights for law‑abiding citizens. The Star notes that while the Republican majority is wary of any “strict” gun law, a modest expansion of background checks could pass with careful framing.

Leveraging Executive Powers

The Governor’s Office has used executive orders to advance certain priorities, most notably in the health‑care domain. In 2024, Stein signed an order to expand Medicaid eligibility for adults with incomes up to 133% of the federal poverty line. The article explains that the order was a strategic response to a failed legislative effort that would have required a multi‑year budget amendment. By using the executive order, the governor was able to achieve a policy goal while sidestepping a partisan showdown.

The profile also highlights Stein’s use of veto power. In a recent case, the legislature passed a bill that would have allowed the state to fund certain education projects through a new tax on utilities. Stein vetoed the bill, arguing that it unfairly burdened consumers. The veto was overridden only after he reached out to moderate Republicans, offering to support an alternative funding mechanism that included a modest utility tax.

Public Engagement and Media Strategy

A recurring theme in the article is Stein’s reliance on public communication to build momentum for his agenda. He has scheduled a series of town‑hall meetings across the state, particularly targeting rural counties that feel underserved. The governor’s office has also launched a “North Carolina for All” social media campaign, echoing his slogan from the campaign. The article indicates that these outreach efforts have already begun to shift public opinion, especially among young voters and suburban households.

Looking Ahead

The Star’s profile concludes by assessing the prospects for the upcoming legislative session. While the Republican majority remains firm, Stein’s approach—rooted in compromise, strategic use of executive powers, and direct public engagement—has already yielded tangible results. The article cautions, however, that the governor will need to maintain a delicate balance: pushing for reforms that resonate with the public while avoiding alienating the GOP caucus.

The story is also linked to several other pieces that provide deeper context: a piece on North Carolina’s 2024 budget negotiations, an analysis of the state’s voting‑rights legislation, and a profile of the GOP’s legislative priorities. These additional articles paint a fuller picture of the political battlefield Stein is navigating.

In sum, Josh Stein’s tenure as governor is a study in political negotiation and pragmatic governance. The Star’s detailed examination offers readers a clear view of how a Democratic governor is working within a GOP‑controlled legislature, using both policy acumen and strategic communication to move his agenda forward—an endeavor that, if successful, could reshape the political landscape of North Carolina for years to come.