Jim Gardner (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jim Gardner
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Gardner in the 1960s
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| 30th Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina | |
| In office January 7, 1989 – January 9, 1993 |
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| Governor | Jim Martin |
| Preceded by | Robert B. Jordan |
| Succeeded by | Dennis A. Wicker |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from North Carolina's 4th district |
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| In office January 3, 1967 – January 3, 1969 |
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| Preceded by | Harold Cooley |
| Succeeded by | Nick Galifianakis |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Carson Gardner
April 8, 1933 Rocky Mount, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic (before 1962) Republican (1962–present) |
| Education | North Carolina State University |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1953-1955 |
James Carson "Jim" Gardner (born April 8, 1933) is an American businessman and politician. He is from North Carolina. Jim Gardner served in the United States House of Representatives for one term. This was from 1967 to 1969. He also served as the 30th Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina. His term as Lieutenant Governor was from 1989 to 1993.
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Jim Gardner's Early Life and Education
Jim Gardner was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He went to public schools there. Later, he attended North Carolina State University. Gardner also served in the United States Army. He was in the Army from 1953 to 1955.
Jim Gardner's Business Ventures
Jim Gardner was a successful businessman. In May 1961, he helped open the first Hardee's fast food restaurant. This first store was in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He opened it with Joseph Leonard Rawls Jr.
Later, in 1968, Gardner bought a basketball team. The team was called the Houston Mavericks. They played in the American Basketball Association (ABA). A year later, he moved the team to North Carolina. The team was renamed the Carolina Cougars.
Jim Gardner's Political Career
Jim Gardner was very active in the Republican Party. This was at a time when the party was not very strong in North Carolina. He first gained attention in 1964. He ran for Congress against a long-serving Democrat.
In 1966, Gardner became the chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party. He then ran for Congress again. He won by a large margin. This was a big surprise. He represented a district that included Raleigh, North Carolina.
Running for Governor
Jim Gardner tried to become Governor of North Carolina several times. He ran in 1968, 1972, and 1992. In 1968 and 1992, he won the Republican nomination. However, he lost to the Democratic candidates.
In 1972, he did not win his party's nomination. Instead, James Holshouser won. Holshouser became one of the few Republican governors of North Carolina in the 20th century.
Serving as Lieutenant Governor
In 1988, Jim Gardner won the election for Lieutenant Governor. He defeated Democrat Tony Rand. He was the first Republican to hold this office since 1901. Gardner served from January 1989 to January 1993. During this time, James G. Martin was the Republican Governor.
After Gardner's election, the state's General Assembly made some changes. They moved some of the Lieutenant Governor's powers. These powers went to the leader of the North Carolina Senate.
Political Activities After Retirement
Even after retiring, Jim Gardner remained involved in politics. In 2011, he supported Tony Gurley for Lieutenant Governor. Gurley's campaign was not successful. Gardner is considered one of the important "Four Jims" of the North Carolina Republican Party. The others were former Governors Holshouser and Martin, and former U.S. Senator Jim Broyhill.
In 2013, Gardner was the master of ceremonies. This was for the inauguration of Governor Pat McCrory. It was a special event. It celebrated Republicans returning to the governor's office. This had not happened since Gardner's own defeat in 1992.
At 79 years old, Gardner took on a new role. Governor McCrory appointed him chairman of the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. He retired from this position in 2017.
