Jim Hunt facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jim Hunt
69th and 71st Governor of North Carolina
In office January 9, 1993 – January 6, 2001
Lieutenant	Dennis Wicker
Preceded by	James G. Martin
Succeeded by	Mike Easley
In office January 8, 1977 – January 5, 1985
Lieutenant	James C. Green
Preceded by	James Holshouser
Succeeded by	James G. Martin
27th Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina
In office January 5, 1973 – January 8, 1977
Governor	James Holshouser
Preceded by	Hoyt Patrick Taylor Jr.
Succeeded by	James C. Green
Personal details
Born	James Baxter Hunt Jr. (1937-05-16) May 16, 1937 (age 88) Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Carolyn Leonard ​ (m. 1958)​
Children	4, including Rachel and Baxter
Education	North Carolina State University (BS, MS) University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (JD)

James Baxter Hunt Jr. (born May 16, 1937) is an American politician and a retired lawyer. He served as the 69th and 71st governor of North Carolina. He was governor from 1977 to 1985, and again from 1993 to 2001. He holds the record as the longest-serving governor in North Carolina's history.

Jim Hunt has served more days as governor than almost anyone else in U.S. history. He is also the father of Rachel Hunt, who is currently the Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina. Many people believe that Jim Hunt's leadership helped the Democratic Party stay strong in North Carolina politics.

Early Life and Education

Jim Hunt was born on May 16, 1937, in Greensboro, North Carolina. His father, James Baxter Hunt, was a soil conservationist. His mother, Elsie Brame Hunt, was a schoolteacher. When he was young, his family moved to a farm near Wilson, North Carolina. He grew up in the Free Will Baptist Church. Later, he became a Presbyterian.

College Years and Student Leadership

Hunt attended North Carolina State College, which is now North Carolina State University. He earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural education. He also received a master's degree in agricultural economics. During college, he was very active in student government. He was the second student ever to serve two terms as Student Body President at NC State. His master's research focused on the economics of tobacco farming.

In 1964, he earned a law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law. After law school, he became the president of the Young Democratic Clubs of North Carolina. This group is now known as the Young Democrats of North Carolina.

Political Career Beginnings

Hunt as Lieutenant Governor, around 1973

From 1964 to 1966, Jim Hunt worked as an economic advisor in Nepal. He was part of a program from the Ford Foundation. After returning, he worked on many political campaigns. He also attended several Democratic conventions as a delegate.

Serving as Lieutenant Governor

In 1972, Jim Hunt successfully ran for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina. He was sworn into office on January 5, 1973. At that time, James Holshouser became governor. Holshouser was the first Republican governor in North Carolina in many years. Because of this, the state legislature decided to make the lieutenant governor's job more important. They increased the salary and gave the office more staff.

First Terms as Governor

Hunt as governor in 1983.

Jim Hunt became Governor of North Carolina on January 8, 1977. He is the only governor in North Carolina to be elected to four terms. He first won the governor's race in 1976. He was re-elected in 1980. During his first time as governor, he supported a change to the state's constitution. This change allowed him to be the first North Carolina governor to run for a second term right after his first.

In 1981, Governor Hunt led a group called the Hunt Commission. This group helped create a system for how the Democratic Party chooses its presidential candidate.

Return to Politics and Later Terms

In 1984, Hunt ran for a U.S. Senate seat but lost a tough election. He then took a break from politics for eight years. He returned in 1992 and won the governorship again. He defeated Jim Gardner, a Republican. Hunt was re-elected by a large number of votes in 1996. He left office in January 2001. Mike Easley, another Democrat, became the next governor.

Key Actions and Views as Governor

Jim Hunt campaigning in 1992

Hunt speaking at North Carolina State University in 1992

In the 1970s, Governor Hunt supported the Equal Rights Amendment. He and his wife, Carolyn, encouraged the state legislature to approve it.

Focus on Education

Hunt was a strong supporter of education. He pushed for better teaching standards and early childhood education. His "Smart Start" program for pre-kindergarten children became famous across the country. In his book, First in America: An Education Governor Challenges North Carolina, Hunt wrote about how test scores improved under his leadership. He said that in 1994, 56% of students were doing well, and by 2000, that number rose to 70%. He believed that testing helps make sure students don't fall behind.

Hunt also served on important national groups focused on education. He was considered for the role of U.S. Secretary of Education multiple times.

Promoting Technology and Business

As governor, Hunt worked hard to bring new technology and businesses to North Carolina. He helped create the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. He also supported the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. These efforts helped the state's economy grow.

Involvement in Legal Cases

Governor Hunt was involved in the case of the Wilmington Ten. This case gained international attention in the late 1970s. In January 1978, after higher courts did not dismiss the charges, Hunt decided to reduce their prison sentences.

Retirement and Legacy

After leaving office, Jim Hunt continued to work for important causes. He founded the Institute for Emerging Issues at N.C. State University in Raleigh. In 2001, he also started The Hunt Institute. This organization works to improve education across America. It helps leaders and policymakers develop plans for public education.

Personal Life

Jim Hunt has been married to Carolyn Leonard Hunt since 1958. They have four children. Their son is named James Baxter Hunt III. Their daughters include Rachel Hunt, who is currently the Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina.

Electoral History

1972 North Carolina Lieutenant Gubernatorial Election

1976 North Carolina Gubernatorial Election

1980 North Carolina Gubernatorial Election

1984 United States Senate Election in North Carolina

1992 North Carolina Gubernatorial Election

1996 North Carolina Gubernatorial Election

Jim Hunt ran unopposed in the Democratic primary.

Legacy and Honors

James B. Hunt Jr. Library

Many places and organizations are named after Governor Hunt to honor his work:

• The James B. Hunt, Jr. Institute for Educational Leadership & Policy Foundation, Inc.
• The James B. Hunt Jr. Library at North Carolina State University Centennial Campus
• James B. Hunt High School in Wilson County, North Carolina
• James B. Hunt Jr. Residence Hall at North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
• The James B. Hunt Horse Complex at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds
• The M/V Gov. James B. Hunt Jr. ferry, operated by the North Carolina Department of Transportation Ferry Division
• Hunt Hall (a dormitory) at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte

In 2010, a book about Jim Hunt's life was released. It was written by Gary Pearce, who used to be his press secretary. In 2024, his daughter, Rachel Hunt, was elected Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina. She had previously served in the state House and Senate. She is the first Democrat to be elected Lieutenant Governor since 2008.

See also

• List of North Carolina Governors