Tony Rand

Biography

Tony Rand is one of the most powerful politicians in North Carolina. He is consistently ranked as the Senate's second most effective member, after president pro tem Marc Basnight.

Early Life and Education 

Anthony Eden Rand was born Sept. 1, 1939, in Garner. His father, Walter, was mayor. His mother, Geneva Yeargan Rand, taught piano for 50 years.

Family

He and his wife, Karen, have two sons, Ripley Eagles Rand and Craven McLean Rand.

Gov. Mike Easley named Ripley Rand to a roving state Superior Court judgeship last year after Rand lost an election to the Wake Superior Court bench, which Easley had also named him to. 

Professional Career

Rand is a partner in the law firm of Rand & Gregory in Fayetteville. He also works as director of New Century Bancorp, director of Law Enforcement Associates, a company that makes and sells surveillance equipment; and a consultant for Sonorex, a company that provides shock wave therapy for tendinitis. 

Political Career 

Rand was appointed to the N.C. Senate in 1981 and won office the following year. He served in that position until he ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor in 1988.

He dropped out of politics for several years, but was re-elected to the Senate in 1995 and has served since. In 2001, he was chosen as majority leader, a position he still holds. 

Research and reporting by Lynn Bonner and Ryan Teague Beckwith. 

Occupation

Contact Info

Email: tonyr@ncleg.net

Education

Military

Links