⬇️ Josh’s Journal ⬇️
January 23, 2026

Looking Back at 2025!

One of the privileges of being governor is getting the chance to be a part of celebrating what’s happening in our communities from the mountains to the coast. 2025 took Josh to Fines Creek, Nags Head, and everywhere in between. Josh saw communities in western NC rebuilding and reopening, recognized companies bringing good jobs to our state, hosted trick-or-treaters at Halloween, and even got the chance to enjoy fried Oreos at the state fair.

Check out some of Josh’s highlights from 2025 here!

Josh’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Message

Josh celebrated MLK Day at this year's annual MLK Breakfast in Rocky Mount.

Here’s what Josh had to say in recognition of the holiday:

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to moving us toward the promise of our nation: a land of liberty and justice for all. He was clear-eyed about all of the ways America had not lived up to its promise, but he led with a belief that we could – and we must – put our shoulder to the wheel and push the country forward. Dr. King taught us that no matter the speed, we must keep moving toward progress. Dr. King’s commitment is motivation for us all. We must work to improve lives by strengthening North Carolina’s health system, supporting its schools, building safe communities, and creating real job opportunities so that all people have a shot at success. That’s how we build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous North Carolina with real opportunity for everyone.”

North Carolina is #1 in Workforce Development!

We’re proud to announce that Site Selection magazine ranked North Carolina the Top State for Workforce Development for 2026! Our reputation as the best state in the country for careers and businesses is only growing.

Here’s what Josh had to say:

“North Carolina’s strength is our people. We are the top state for business, and we are the top state for workforce. Last year, we had the best year for job announcements ever. We must build on our successes by investing in our people and creating more career pathways right here in North Carolina.”

Always NC Strong

Josh provided his first NC Strong update of 2026 — you can watch it here!

Creating a healthier North Carolina remains a top priority for Josh’s administration. He was pleased to announce new funding for rural health care and summer meals for kids at his latest update. He also once again called on the General Assembly to pass a comprehensive state budget that fully funds Medicaid as federal Affordable Care Act tax credits expire.

Here’s what Josh had to say:

“Between the General Assembly’s stalemate and Congress’ decision to not extend ACA tax credits, too many North Carolinians risk seeing their health insurance bills skyrocket. We do not have to go down this road. I call on the General Assembly to pass a budget that puts people first, and I invite them back to the table to solve the problems North Carolinians are facing. I am as committed as ever to standing up for North Carolina families.”

Standing Up for WNC — in D.C.

Western North Carolina is still waiting on the federal funding we deserve to help our communities recover from Hurricane Helene.

That’s why Josh traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with leaders and advocate for the people of WNC to get their fair share.

Click here to hear more directly from Josh about the visit.

Submit a Nomination for the 2026 Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards

Every year since 1979, the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards have recognized individuals and groups for their efforts to serve others and make our state stronger through service.

Nominations are now open, and you can submit a nomination for an individual person or a group from the public, nonprofit, or private sector by clicking here.

Here’s what Josh had to say about the Awards:

“Whether you’re donating your time at a local food bank or supporting your neighbors’ rebuild in western North Carolina, volunteers make our state stronger. I look forward to honoring the North Carolinians in every corner of the state whose selflessness has made lasting impacts on their communities.”