Josh Stein Biography: Joshua Harold Stein born September 13, 1966 is an American lawyer and politician who has served as the 76th governor of North Carolina since 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, Stein previously served as North Carolina’s 51st attorney general from 2017 to 2025 and represented the state’s 16th Senate district from 2009 to 2016.
Josh Stein Biography
Josh Stein is an American lawyer and politician currently serving as the 76th Governor of North Carolina, a role he assumed on January 1, 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, Stein previously served as the state’s Attorney General from 2017 to 2025 and as a State Senator from 2009 to 2016. He made history as North Carolina’s first Jewish governor.
Josh Stein Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Joshua Harold Stein
September 13, 1966 |
|---|---|
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Anna Harris |
| Children | 3 |
| Residence(s) | Executive Mansion (primary) Western Residence (secondary) |
| Education |
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| Category | Politician Biography |
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About Josh Stein
Joshua Harold Stein is an American lawyer and politician who has served as the 76th governor of North Carolina since 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, Stein served from 2017 to 2025 as the 51st attorney general of North Carolina and from 2009 to 2016 in the North Carolina Senate.
Josh Stein Achievements
Originally from Washington, D.C., Stein relocated to North Carolina with his family during childhood. He earned his undergraduate degree in history from Dartmouth College and later received his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. In 2008, he was elected to the North Carolina Senate. Stein stepped down from the Senate in 2016 after securing the Democratic nomination for attorney general, narrowly defeating Republican Buck Newton in the general election by a margin of 0.54%. He won re-election in 2020, again by a slim margin of 0.26%, over Republican challenger Jim O’Neill.
Josh Stein Wiki
- Born: 13 September 1966 (age 58 years), Washington, D.C., United States
- Party: Democratic Party
- Spouse: Anna Harris Stein
- Office: Governor of North Carolina
- Children: Adam Stein, Leah Stein, Sam Stein
- Education: Harvard Kennedy School (1995), Harvard Law School (1995), Chapel Hill High School, Dartmouth College
- Parents: Jane Stein, Adam Stein
Early Life and Education
Born on September 13, 1966, in Washington, D.C., Joshua Stein is the son of Jane (Stoneman) and Adam Stein. The family first moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, before settling in Chapel Hill, where his father co-founded the state’s first integrated law firm. Stein attended Chapel Hill High School, where he was a member of the school’s state championship soccer team. He graduated in 1988 from Dartmouth College with a degree in history. After college, he spent time in Zimbabwe teaching English and economics. He later completed graduate studies at Harvard, earning degrees from both Harvard Law School and the Kennedy School of Government.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Joshua Harold Stein
- Born: September 13, 1966
- Birthplace: Washington, D.C., U.S.
- Nationality: American
- Political Party: Democratic
- Profession: Lawyer, Politician
- Spouse: Anna Harris Stein
- Children: 3
- Religion: Jewish
- Residence: Raleigh, North Carolina
- Net Worth: Estimated $7 million (as of 2025)
Family Background
Josh Stein was born in Washington, D.C., to Adam and Jane Stein. His father, a civil rights attorney, co-founded North Carolina’s first integrated law firm—an act of courage during the civil rights era that reflected the family’s deep-rooted commitment to justice. The Stein family later settled in Chapel Hill, where Josh grew up with his siblings, Eric and Gerda. He attended Chapel Hill High School and was part of its state championship-winning soccer team. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in History from Dartmouth College in 1988. After graduation, Stein taught English and economics in Zimbabwe, an experience that shaped his global perspective before he pursued law and public policy at Harvard.
Career Overview and Milestones
After finishing law school, Stein returned to North Carolina to begin his legal career. He interned for State Representative Dan Blue and later served as a deputy attorney general. He also worked with the Self-Help Credit Union and the North Carolina Minority Support Center, focusing on economic justice and consumer advocacy. Elected to the North Carolina Senate in 2008, he represented the 16th District. During his tenure, Stein championed legislation on cyberstalking prevention, DNA database expansion, and school safety, and served as minority whip.
Attorney General of North Carolina (2017–2025)
As Attorney General, Stein prioritized public safety, consumer rights, and civil justice. He spearheaded efforts to eliminate the state’s massive backlog of untested sexual assault kits—then the largest in the country—resulting in numerous arrests and solved cases. He played a central role in negotiating a $1.5 billion settlement for North Carolina as part of a national opioid litigation effort. Stein also became the first attorney general to file suit against e-cigarette maker Juul for targeting minors, reaching nearly $48 million in settlements. His office took significant steps to combat robocalls and protect seniors from scams.
Governorship (2025–Present)
Stein announced his candidacy for governor in 2023 and won the 2024 general election by a decisive 14.8% margin over Republican Lt. Governor Mark Robinson. His campaign focused on strengthening public education, promoting civil rights, and expanding economic opportunity. Upon his inauguration, he became North Carolina’s first Jewish governor. As governor, Stein continues to advance policies centered on education reform, economic growth, environmental protection, and equitable governance.
Personal Life
Josh Stein is married to Anna Harris Stein, a lawyer and active civic leader who serves as North Carolina’s First Lady. The couple has three children and resides in Raleigh. They are members of Temple Beth Or, a Reform synagogue in the city. Stein remains involved in the community, including coaching youth sports at the YMCA and Jewish Community Center.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Stein is North Carolina’s first Jewish governor.
- He played on a state championship-winning high school soccer team.
- Before entering law and politics, he taught in Zimbabwe.
Philanthropy and Public Service
Stein has been a consistent advocate for justice and public well-being throughout his career. His work has left a lasting legacy in areas such as opioid prevention, consumer advocacy, and criminal justice reform. His leadership has earned both statewide and national recognition.
Vision and Ongoing Impact
As governor, Stein remains committed to progressive policies and inclusive governance. He continues to emphasize equity, education, and public health, with a vision for a more just and prosperous North Carolina. His leadership reflects a lifelong dedication to public service shaped by his family’s values and his own diverse experiences.
Josh Stein Net Worth 2025
As of 2025, Josh Stein’s estimated net worth is approximately $7 million. This includes significant stock holdings in Box Inc., where he serves as a director. He owns roughly 193,586 shares, contributing substantially to his financial portfolio.
FAQs
How old is Josh Stein?
Josh Stein was born on September 13, 1966, which makes him 58 years old as of 2025.
What is Josh Stein’s net worth?
As of 2025, Josh Stein’s estimated net worth is around $7 million, largely due to his public service salary and significant stock holdings, including shares in Box Inc.
What did Josh Stein do before becoming governor?
Before becoming governor, Josh Stein served as North Carolina’s Attorney General from 2017 to 2025 and was a State Senator from 2009 to 2016. He also worked as a deputy attorney general and was active in consumer protection and economic development.
Where did Josh Stein go to college?
Josh Stein earned his undergraduate degree in history from Dartmouth College, and later received his Juris Doctor and a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard Law School and the Harvard Kennedy School.
What are some of Josh Stein’s accomplishments as Attorney General?
As Attorney General, Stein led efforts to eliminate the state’s backlog of sexual assault kits, spearheaded a $1.5 billion opioid settlement for North Carolina, and sued Juul Labs over its marketing to minors.
Who is Josh Stein’s wife?
Josh Stein is married to Anna Harris Stein, a lawyer and civic leader who currently serves as the First Lady of North Carolina.