North Carolina's new Governor, Josh Stein, was forced to shift plans for his inauguration ceremony due to inclement winter weather. Originally scheduled to take place outdoors at the old Capitol building, the public inauguration was canceled, and Stein opted to deliver a televised address indoors in Raleigh instead.
The decision to cancel the outdoor ceremony came in light of forecasts predicting snow, sleet, and freezing rain, prompting the state inaugural committee to call off public festivities, including a block party and official inauguration parties that were postponed to a later date.
Despite the change in plans, Stein and other Council of State members had already taken their official oaths in private or small ceremonies earlier in the year. Stein, who succeeded term-limited Governor Roy Cooper, had given a brief speech at his swearing-in on January 1. His televised address on Saturday, streamed by North Carolina public television, was expected to be more extensive.
As the new governor, Stein has identified Hurricane Helene recovery as a top priority for his early term. He has visited western North Carolina multiple times since the start of the year and issued several executive orders related to the state government's response to historic flooding.
Republican state legislative leaders have expressed optimism about collaborating with Stein to approve additional hurricane recovery funds early in 2025. With Republicans just one House seat away from a veto-proof majority, Stein's ability to block legislation through vetoes has increased compared to Governor Cooper's tenure.
Historically, North Carolina has faced challenges with gubernatorial inaugurations due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Cooper's previous inaugurations were impacted by snow, sleet, and COVID-19 restrictions, leading to adaptations such as televised ceremonies and cancellations of public events.
