Josh Stein’s victory in the North Carolina governor’s race this year was significant, with his opponent being perceived as the weakest Republican in a major race this cycle. Stein's success offers valuable lessons for Democrats moving forward.
Unlike the presidential race, Stein, a prosecutor with a 20-year political record and ties to the incumbent Democratic executive, secured the largest margin of victory in any battleground state. Despite facing criticism for being labeled as elitist and soft on various issues, Stein focused his campaign on law enforcement, job creation, and women's rights, ultimately winning by a 15-point lead over his scandal-plagued opponent, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson.
Stein's victory not only secured his position as governor-elect but also led to Democrats winning all statewide races and breaking the GOP supermajority in the statehouse. His success has sparked interest from Democrats nationwide seeking to understand his winning strategy.
Stein attributes his victory to hard work, a strong team, and a campaign focused on issues that resonated with voters. He emphasizes the importance of demonstrating a commitment to fighting for the people's interests.
While some view Stein's win as a stroke of luck due to his opponent's controversies, his campaign's strategic focus on highlighting his record of accomplishments, such as clearing the state's rape kit backlog and prosecuting fentanyl crimes, played a crucial role in shaping voter perceptions.
Stein's advisers acknowledge the challenges of replicating his success for other candidates and stress the importance of prioritizing issues that matter to voters and showcasing a track record of tangible achievements.
As Democrats strategize for future elections, Stein emphasizes the need to focus on improving people's lives and addressing issues that resonate with voters. His campaign's emphasis on competency, bipartisanship, and real-world impact proved effective in winning over voters in a state with a history of political volatility.
Stein's victory serves as a reminder of the power of connecting with voters on a personal level and demonstrating a genuine commitment to addressing their concerns. Moving forward, Democrats can draw inspiration from Stein's campaign by prioritizing authenticity, competence, and a focus on tangible results.
