NEW BERN, Craven County — North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein brought some of the state's top elected officials to New Bern on Tuesday, Nov. 10, for a Council of State meeting at historic Tryon Palace.
The meeting brought together members of the 10-member Council of State, with some attending in person and others participating virtually.
The council, which includes statewide elected officials from both political parties, typically meets monthly in Raleigh to conduct state business.
Tuesday's meeting offered a change of scenery, bringing modern-day government proceedings to a site that played an important role in North Carolina's colonial history.
"We're still celebrating America's 250th, and New Bern and Tryon Palace played a really instrumental role in the formation of this state and the formation of this country," Stein said.
State leaders meet following midterm elections
The gathering marked the council's first major collective appearance just one week after the 2026 midterm elections.
Stein reflected on the election results and what he believes voters want from their elected leaders.
"People spoke very loudly and clearly that they want a government that's focused on them and their needs," Stein said.
He pointed to affordability, education and public safety as issues he believes should remain priorities for state government.
"The cost of living, the quality of schools, and the safety of neighborhoods," Stein said. "They don't want ballrooms, or reflecting pools, or arches. And that's what our job is, we now have to work together."
The council includes elected officials from both major political parties who work together on matters involving state government.
After conducting official state business, council members toured the interior of Tryon Palace, exploring the artifacts and architecture associated with North Carolina's colonial government.
The visit was part of an ongoing effort to commemorate America's 250th anniversary by holding meetings and visiting historic sites across the state.
Stein said the location provided an opportunity to recognize North Carolina's role in the nation's founding.
"We're an old state, we're one of the original 13," Stein said. "We just wanted to just lift up the great story of NC in the colonial times."
Tryon Palace served as a center of colonial government in New Bern during the 1700s.
Tuesday's meeting brought state leaders back to the historic site while highlighting the connection between North Carolina's early government and its modern leadership.