Some Democrats understand that great progress can be made working with Trump.
North Carolina’s incoming Governor Josh Stein, a Democrat, has expressed his readiness to collaborate with the federal government and Donald Trump to help his state recover from the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Stein recently discussed the disaster and his plans for recovery during an interview on ABC’s This Week. The governor-elect acknowledged the severe challenges faced by residents, particularly in the western part of the state, where the destruction has been widespread and devastating.
“Hurricane Helene left a trail of destruction that has affected countless lives,” Stein said. “Thousands of homes, small businesses, and critical infrastructure have been wiped out. We’re talking about everything from homes to highways, including parts of Interstate-40 that fell into the river.” He went on to emphasize that the recovery will require a coordinated effort between the state and federal governments. “I’m eager to work with the incoming Trump administration to ensure that we secure the federal aid necessary to help the people of western North Carolina rebuild their lives.”
Stein’s comments reflect a spirit of bipartisanship, highlighting his commitment to finding practical solutions for the people of his state, despite the political divide. While he expressed concerns about some of the incoming administration’s appointments, including President-elect Trump’s nomination of Kash Patel to head the FBI, Stein remained focused on the immediate needs of North Carolinians in the wake of the disaster.
Stein, who defeated Republican Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson in last month’s election, will become the state’s first Jewish governor, taking over from term-limited Governor Roy Cooper. Throughout his campaign, Stein emphasized his priorities of improving affordability, strengthening public education, and defending personal freedoms, including access to abortion services. His ability to work across party lines will be crucial as he navigates the challenges ahead for the people of North Carolina.