Hampton Dellinger

Biography

Hampton Dellinger is a candidate for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor.

Early Life and Education

Hampton Dellinger was born on April 30, 1967, in Oxford, Miss., and grew up in Durham and Chapel Hill.

His parents were college professors, and his father, Walter, served as solicitor general in the Clinton administration.

Professional Career

From 1996 to 2001, he worked as special counsel and deputy attorney general for then Attorney General Mike Easley, working on the question of Blue Cross Blue Shield's conversion to a for-profit corporation, whether a rock quarry could be located next to the Appalachian Trail and the multi-state tobacco settlement.

He then served as legal counsel from 2001 to 2003 for Governor Easley.

In 2004, he worked on voter protection for John Kerry's presidential campaign.

Lt. Governor '08 

In 2007, he announced he would run for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor.

He faces state Sen. Walter Dalton, Canton Mayor Pat Smathers and Winston-Salem City Councilman Dan Besse in the primary.

He was endorsed by the Communication Workers of America, the United Transportation Union, the AFL-CIO, NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina, Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the Raleigh-Wake Citizens Association and the Black Leadership Roundtable of High Point and the N.C. Police Benevolent Association.

Occupation

Contact Info

Education

Military

Issues

How will you measure success in your first year in office?

"First, with regard to the budget. I have said my top budget priority will be to have some measure of financial compensation paid to the living victims of the forced state government sterilization program. Second, I am committed to ensuring that those who have the least are not hurt the most during this national economic downturn. These two budgetary committments can be measured at the end of my first year in office. I also believe we can make measurable progress on the continuing inequalities that afflict our state. North Carolina not only has an achievement gap, but also a wealth gap and a health gap and a digital divide. I want to see these gaps reduced and addressed immediately."

Tell us about something you did for someone else.

"I guess I would say I have volunteered at NAACP headquarters in Baltimore. I have volunteered in our public schools and coached many children's sports teams through the YMCA. I've also provided free legal services to individual victims of discrimination and some non-profits. For more than 20 years I have volunteered for North Carolina Democratic candidates seeking local, state or federal office."

What is the biggest challenge facing North Carolina? Your county? Your district?

"How to stay a great place in which to do business, but also be a top state for every child, every student, every worker and every senior."

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