Former North_Carolina Governor James_Hunt_Jr. Dies

James Hunt (disambiguation), a four-term Democratic Governor of United States — North Carolina and a towering figure in the state's late 20th-century politics, died at the age of 88. His daughter, Rachel Hunt, announced his peaceful passing at his Wilson County home. James Hunt (disambiguation) served an unprecedented 16 years as governor, focusing relentlessly on public education reform, which included establishing full-day kindergarten, creating the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and championing the SmartStart initiative. He was also influential in the state's economic shift from textiles and tobacco to a high-tech economy. His political career included a notable U.S. Senate campaign loss to Republican icon Jesse Helms in 1984, but he later made a comeback to serve two more terms as governor. James Hunt (disambiguation) remained active in the United States — Democratic Party (United States) after leaving office, campaigning for figures like Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Roy Cooper. Current Governor Josh Stein and former Governor Roy Cooper praised his legacy, with Cooper calling him the 'greatest Governor in United States — North Carolina history.' The Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation, based in Durham, continues his work in public education policy.