Jim Hunt died at Wilson County home
Rachel Hunt said in a statement that, the 88-year-old had, “Devoted his life to serving the people of North Carolina, guided by a belief that public service should expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and always put people first,” calling him “my beloved daddy and hero,” as quoted by an AP report.
How Jim Hunt shaped North Carolina’s shift to a high-tech economy
Hunt’s remarkable political career spanned 16 years in the governor’s office, during which he helped shape North Carolina’s transition from a textile and tobacco economy to a high-tech hub. Considered a business-oriented progressive, he became a model for the modern “education governor” and played a key role in the national education reform movement of the late 20th century.
ALSO READ: Stock market today: Why S&P 500, Dow rebounds after 4-day slump, Nasdaq jumps 1.38% – inflation eases and AI stocks rally, led by strong Micron earnings
Jim Hunt political career: Four terms as governor and historic elections
He was first elected governor in 1976 and, after a constitutional amendment, became the first in the state’s history to serve successive four-year terms. Hunt ran for the US Senate in 1984 but lost to Republican Jesse Helms, later returning to the governor’s mansion in 1992 and winning reelection in 1996, as per the AP report.
Even after leaving office in 2001, Hunt remained deeply involved in Democratic politics. He supported rising leaders such as former Gov. Roy Cooper and the late US Senator Kay Hagan, and campaigned for former US president Barack Obama in 2012, as well as Hillary Clinton and Cooper in 2016.
ALSO READ: Federal holidays 2025 update: Trump gives 2 extra offs this year on Christmas eve and December 26 – here’s what federal workers need to know
Democratic leaders remember Jim Hunt’s lasting impact
Current Gov. Josh Stein praised Hunt’s impact, saying, “I can think of no one who shaped North Carolina’s recent successes as much as Governor Jim Hunt,” and Cooper even described Hunt as the “greatest Governor in North Carolina history,” as quoted by AP.
Jim Hunt’s lifelong push for public education funding
Even in his 80s, Hunt continued advocating for public education, urging lawmakers to fund “big things” for schools rather than focus on income tax cuts, reflecting his enduring commitment to expanding opportunity for North Carolinians.
FAQs
Who was Jim Hunt?
Jim Hunt was a four-term governor of North Carolina and a leading voice in public education reform.
How old was Jim Hunt when he died?
He was 88 years old.