North Carolina’s New Governor, Josh Stein, to Deliver Inaugural Address Indoors Due to Severe Weather
RALEIGH, N.C. — With forecasts predicting snow, sleet, and freezing rain, the outdoor inauguration ceremony for North Carolina’s new Governor, Josh Stein, has been canceled. Instead, Stein will address the public in a televised speech indoors.
Originally set for Saturday in Raleigh outside the historic state Capitol, Stein’s inauguration was expected to be a festive event for the Democratic governor and other state officials. However, the winter weather prompted the state inaugural committee to cancel the public celebration along with a planned block party, though these events may be rescheduled later. Official inauguration festivities for Friday and Saturday nights have also been postponed.
Governor Stein, who previously served as attorney general, has already taken his oath in private ceremonies earlier in the month. This television address is anticipated to be longer than his brief remarks during his January 1 swearing-in.
Stein, elected in November following a victory over then-Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, has identified response efforts for Hurricane Helene as a key early priority in his administration. He has made multiple visits to western North Carolina since assuming office and has issued several executive orders aimed at managing state recovery from historic flooding.
Republican legislators are optimistic about collaborating with Stein to secure additional hurricane recovery funding as the General Assembly opens this week, anticipating early bipartisan efforts.
Stein’s ability to veto legislation offers a strategic advantage; Republicans lack a full veto-proof majority in the House. This shift may empower the governor to effectively counter legislation he opposes, provided House Democrats maintain their unity.
The decision to hold the inaugural address indoors mirrors past circumstances where weather events led to similar cancellations. Previous ceremonies have been disrupted by snow and COVID-19 restrictions, demonstrating the challenges of scheduling public events amid unforeseen conditions.
