Bio

Lieutenant Governor Walter Dalton is a proven leader with a passion for education and innovation and with a track record of getting results for the citizens of North Carolina. Prior to his election as lieutenant governor, Walter Dalton served six terms in the North Carolina Senate, where he was known for his ability to find common-sense solutions to the tough problems facing our state. He was consistently ranked as one of the body's most effective members.

Lt. Gov. Dalton knows that North Carolina needs strong, steady leadership to guide us to a prosperous future. That's why he has worked to ensure that our schools prepare our children to compete in a global economy. Lt. Gov. Dalton pushed through legislation to reduce class sizes, bring accountability back to our classrooms and increase teacher pay.

He also authored the Innovative Education Act and created the Learn and Earn program, which begins to customize learning and offers students an opportunity to get a head start on a good job or a college degree. Students who start the program in the ninth grade can earn a technical degree or complete two years toward a college degree after five years. This program has been recognized nationally by the Gates Foundation and recently was named one of the top 50 innovative programs by Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. As lieutenant governor, Dalton sits on the state boards of education and community colleges.

A longtime leader in economic development, Walter Dalton has worked to bring new, high-quality jobs to our state and increase the funding for our community colleges and universities. When federal trade policies began sending local manufacturing jobs overseas, Lt. Gov. Dalton fought for the areas that were hardest hit. He pushed for tax incentives that brought new industries into these regions and helped existing companies grow and expand. As a board member of the North Carolina Economic Development Board, he has worked diligently with leaders across the state to find long-term solutions to the problems facing our transitioning economy.

Walter Dalton believes every North Carolinian should have the access to quality, affordable healthcare. He led the effort to provide tax credits to small businesses that offer their employees health insurance, and was instrumental in crafting the NC Senior Care program, which made it possible for more than 120,000 seniors to afford the prescription drugs they need.

Lt. Gov. Dalton has worked hard throughout his career to protect our environment and natural resources. Recently, when Chimney Rock, a natural landmark, came up for sale, he successfully led the effort to add it to our state park system. He also successfully fought to preserve and increase the South Mountain State Park, enlarge Lake James State Park, and create Carver's Creek and Hickory Nut Gorge State Parks.

Born in Rutherfordton, Lt. Gov. Dalton graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.S. in Business Administration and a law degree. He built a successful law practice and has been deeply involved in the community. Lt. Gov. Dalton is a lay speaker in the Methodist church, a former Cub Scout leader, and served as board chair of the local community college.

Lt. Gov. Dalton is married to Lucille Hodge Dalton, a former teacher and member of the Rutherford County School Board. In 1998, she was named North Carolina's school board member of the year, winning the Raleigh Dingman award. Walter and Lucille have been married for the past thirty-seven years and have two children, Brian and Elizabeth.