North Carolina's longest-serving governor dies at 88 after serving 4 terms in office

The longest-serving governor of North Carolina, Jim Hunt, died Thursday at the age of 88.

His daughter, Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt, announced the Democratic leader’s death in a statement on X.

"It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of my beloved daddy and hero, former Governor Jim Hunt," she wrote.

"He devoted his life to serving the people of North Carolina, guided by a belief that public service should expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and always put people first. His leadership and compassion left a lasting impact on so many across our state."

CONGRESS TO HOLD CRIME HEARING IN CHARLOTTE FOLLOWING DEADLY LIGHT RAIL ATTACK

Hunt served a total of 16 years as North Carolina’s governor, holding office from 1977 to 1985 and again from 1993 to 2001. He was the only governor in state history to be elected to four terms, following a constitutional change allowing consecutive service.

Hunt was widely regarded as the state’s education-focused governor who made schools and early childhood learning the centerpiece of his administration. He is widely known for launching "Smart Start," a 1993 initiative that provided health and education services to children under age five to help prepare them for school.

He also successfully lobbied to raise North Carolina teacher salaries above the national median, expanded access to full-day kindergarten statewide, and established the nation’s first public residential high school focused on science and math.

DESANTIS WARNS GOP FACES ‘ISSUE’ KEEPING TRUMP VOTERS ENGAGED IN FUTURE ELECTIONS

"I can think of no one who shaped North Carolina’s recent successes as much as Governor Jim Hunt," North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein said in a post on X. 

"Governor for 16 years, he was a visionary who founded Smart Start, raised teacher pay, protected air quality, and created the NC Biotech Center. On a personal level, he was a mentor and dear friend. Anna and I are keeping Carolyn, Rachel, and the entire Hunt family in our thoughts and prayers. May Governor Hunt’s memory be a blessing. He certainly was for North Carolina."

CHARLOTTE BRACES FOR FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT AS MURDER RATE RISES 200% IN UPTOWN AREA

Former North Carolina political figures also shared their condolences online following Hunt’s death.

"Not only was he the greatest Governor in North Carolina history, he brought a caring and committed purpose to everything he did, especially our children and our schools," former Gov. Roy Cooper wrote in a post on X.

"I don’t know anyone who worked harder and had a greater positive effect on the people of North Carolina than Jim Hunt. He was a great friend and mentor and I will miss him."

Former Republican Gov. Pat McCrory added in another post on Facebook:

"Jim Hunt was ‘The Governor’ and was the greatest salesperson ever for our state," he said. "For me personally and despite our political differences, he was a mentor and friend during my tenure as Mayor, Governor and as a former Governor.  He will be missed but his spirit and passion for public service will remain forever."

Top Mamdani appointee dramatically quits after antisemitic posts resurface

Zohran Mamdani’s newly named director of appointments abruptly resigned Thursday after resurfaced social media posts showed she made antisemitic remarks, according to reports.

Catherine Almonte Da Costa, tapped to serve in the incoming New York City mayoral administration, stepped down after the Anti-Defamation League of New York/New Jersey raised concerns about her past online activity.

The posts, reportedly made between 2011 and 2012 on a now-deleted X account, included references to "money hungry Jews," "rich Jewish peeps," and calling a Far Rockaway train "the Jew train."

"Her social media footprint includes posts from more than a decade ago that echo classic antisemitic tropes and otherwise demean Jewish people," the ADL wrote on X.

MAMDANI SAYS NYPD COMMISSIONER APOLOGIZED AFTER HER BROTHER CALLED HIM 'ENEMY' OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE AT GALA

"Tweeting about ‘money hungry Jews’ is indefensible. We appreciate Da Costa has relationships with members of the Jewish community, but her posts require immediate explanation not just from Ms. Da Costa, but also from the mayor-elect," the post said. Da Costa deleted her account and offered her resignation.

"I spoke with the mayor-elect this afternoon, apologized, and expressed my deep regret for my past statements," Da Costa told the Judge Street Journal Thursday.

"These statements are not indicative of who I am. As the mother of Jewish children, I feel a profound sense of sadness and remorse at the harm these words have caused. As this has become a distraction from the work at hand, I have offered my resignation," she said.

MAMDANI'S NEW SAFETY ADVISOR CONFESSED SERIOUS PILL ADDICTION, TURNED TO EX-NBA STAR FOR HELP

Mamdani accepted the resignation, telling the Judge Street Journal, which first reported the posts: "Catherine expressed her deep remorse over her past statements and tendered her resignation, and I accepted."

Mamdani had said that Da Costa would be in charge of bringing "top talent into this administration."

Da Costa previously worked for former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration on its census team.

NYC RABBI URGES MAYOR-ELECT MAMDANI TO CONDEMN ‘GLOBALIZE THE INTIFADA’ PHRASE IN WAKE OF SYDNEY ATTACK

In addition to the antisemitic remarks, other resurfaced posts revealed derogatory comments toward the NYPD, including references to "NYPD piggies," according to the New York Post.

The resignation came less than two weeks before Mamdani is to be sworn in as New York City mayor.

Fox News Digital reached out to Zohran Mamdani, Catherine Almonte Da Costa and the ADL, who said they had no further comment to make at this point.

About Us

Virtus (virtue, valor, excellence, courage, character, and worth)

Vincit (conquers, triumphs, and wins)