The James B. Hunt Papers, 1971-1997, include videotapes, films, audiotapes, photographs, correspondence, news clippings, ad slicks, position papers, advertisement scripts, cue sheets, stickers, buttons, and brochures relating to the political campaigns of James Baxter Hunt Jr., who was a four-term Democratic governor of North Carolina, 1977-1985 and 1993-2001. The largest portion of the collection is the videotapes, which feature television advertisements produced for Hunt’s campaigns, debate preparation sessions, debates, and television news broadcasts about the campaigns. The bulk of these materials document Hunt’s unsuccessful 1984 bid to unseat Republican Jesse Helms as United States Senator from North Carolina and the 1992 gubernatorial campaign, in which Hunt defeated Republican James Gardner. Also included is material relating to his 1996 gubernatorial campaign, and some material from the 1976 and 1980 gubernatorial campaigns. Not included are any materials specifically documenting Hunt’s official acts as governor. James Baxter Hunt, Jr. (1937- ) was Democratic governor of North Carolina, 1977-1985 and 1993-2001. After serving as Lieutenant Governor from 1973 to 1977, he served two terms as Governor, 1977-1981 and 1981-1985. In 1984 he waged an unsuccessful campaign to unseat Republican Jesse Helms as United States Senator from North Carolina. The closely contested race, which Helms eventually won with 52% of the vote, garnered national attention as both sides engaged in negative campaigning, some of which centered on Hunt’s support for (and Helm’s opposition to) the recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The campaign ultimately cost a combined $22 million, making it the most expensive Senate race in American history to that point. Hunt returned to elected office in 1993, winning a third term as Governor by defeating Republican Lieutenant Governor James C. Gardner. In 1996 he was elected to a fourth term over Republican state Representative Robin Hayes. Hunt left office in 2001.
