Pat McCrory, Republican Candidate for Governor

Pat McCrory grew up in Guilford County and was president of his high school student body.

After he graduated from Catawba College with a B.A. in Political Science/Education, Pat worked for Duke Energy Corporation in various management positions and most recently served as Economic Development Consultant.

He served three terms as a Charlotte City Council member before being elected Charlotte's mayor in 1995. In December 2007, Pat became the only mayor in Charlotte history to be sworn in for a record seventh term. He currently serves as the nation's Homeland Security Advisory Committee Chair; on U.S. Conference of Mayors Committee for the Environment and the NC Metropolitan Coalition; and has testified before Congress six times on issues ranging from government efficiency to protecting our environment.

Pat is married to Ann Gordon McCrory.

Pat calls students "North Carolina's most valuable asset" and pledges to make sure they are prepared for the 21st century and trained "for jobs that allow them to compete on a global stage."

 

Beverly Perdue, Democrat Candidate for Governor

Bev Perdue is the first woman ever elected as North Carolina's Lieutenant Governor. She served two terms in the state House of Representatives where she was the first woman ever elected to the state House from her part of the state. She also served five terms in the state Senate before running for her first term as Lieutenant Governor in 2000.

Before running for office, Bev worked as a public school teacher and has a Ph.D in education administration. She also served as director of geriatric services at a community hospital.

Bev grew up in the coal mining mountains of Southwest Virginia and has lived most of her adult life in New Bern. She is married to Bob Eaves and between them they have four grown children, two daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, five grandchildren and two dogs, Dosie and Zipper.

Bev Perdue says her goal is "to make North Carolina the best educated and healthiest state in America."

*candidates listed by last name