The Governor’s Column

2026 marks 250 years since the United States was founded. Across North Carolina, communities are marking America 250, or A250, by lifting up the ideals and the people who have shaped our democracy.

Every December, my family lights and places our menorah in a window. Hanukkah – the miracle of light – tells the story of a group of Jews who, guided by faith, used a day’s worth of oil to keep the temple lights burning for eight nights.

Thanksgiving gives us time to hit pause and to reflect on all our blessings. I’ve had the privilege of serving as Governor of North Carolina for nearly a year, and I am feeling a tremendous sense of gratitude to this state and its people.