Get to know Rep. Howard Hunter

July 8, 2022 at 2:25 p.m.

By Colin Campbell
NC Tribune

Rep. Howard Hunter III, D-Hertford, has represented his hometown of Ahoskie and neighboring counties in northeastern North Carolina since 2015 – holding a seat his late father served from 1989 until 2007.

This session, he’s served as chair for the House Families, Children and Aging Policy Committee – one of only a few Democrats to chair committees.

Age: 52

What are the current and past jobs you’ve held outside of politics? Owner of Hunter's Funeral Home, Inc. I am also a NCHSAA Football and Basketball official. Past jobs include lifeguard with Elk's National Shrine, high school bus driver and substitute teacher.

If you could enact a single piece of legislation into law today, what would it be? Medicaid Expansion – it is much needed in our rural underserved communities.

Where do you most enjoy taking an out-of-town visitor in your district? Downtown Elizabeth City where they would enjoy the the downtown revitalization projects, enjoy the food and the beautiful scenery of waterfront.  We would probably end up at Seven Sounds Distillery for a taste of the local beer, which is amazing.

What is your favorite hobby outside of work? Spending time on the water, grilling and playing golf.

Who do you most admire, and why? The person I admired the most was my father, Rep. Howard Hunter, Jr. Why? He was a great man who loved people, his district and lived life to the fullest. He would go out of his way to help anyone. I am often reminded by Rep. Julia Howard about their friendship and his dancing; by Sen. Toby Fitch (well let’s not tell everything, but there were a lot of good stories when they served together in the General Assembly); and my seatmate, Rep. Billy Richardson, on how he helped him down off the desk in the chamber when he was upset about a bill that was being debated.  

What’s the best advice you’ve received about how to get legislation passed? Make sure that your district supports it, especially if it is a local bill. If not local, remember you need a majority of the body to vote YES just to get it to the other chamber.