The 2000 North Carolina gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 2000. The general election was fought between the Republican nominee, former mayor of Charlotte Richard Vinroot and the Democratic nominee, state Attorney General Mike Easley. Easley won by 52% to 46%, and succeeded fellow Democrat Jim Hunt as governor. Primaries Democratic Candidates Bob Ayers Mike Easley, attorney general Ken Rogers Dennis Wicker, lieutenant governor Results Republican Candidates Leo Daughtry, state representative Art Manning, candidate for governor in 1996 Charles Neely, attorney and former state representative Richard Vinroot, former mayor of Charlotte and candidate for governor in 1996 Results General election Debates Complete video of debate, September 13, 2000 Complete video of debate, October 27, 2000 Results Footnotes North Carolina 2000 Gubernatorial