Gov. Josh Stein spoke Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Asheville to announce his first executive orders, aimed at supporting Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.

President Donald Trump appointed Democratic North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein to lead a council tasked with strengthening state-federal partnerships.

The White House announced Wednesday that Stein and Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin will co-chair the Council of Governors, which focuses on national security, disaster response, and military coordination issues. The Council of Governors was established by the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 and formally created by President Barack Obama in 2010.

Since taking office last month, Stein has prioritized working across the aisle on relief for victims of Hurricane Helene.

"We work best when we work together," Stein said in a statement after the council's first meeting Thursday.

"There are important state-federal issues including strengthening our response to natural disasters, defending our national security, and combating the fentanyl crisis," he continued. "I am honored to co-chair this bipartisan group of Governors to work with the federal government in service of our people."

Stein also highlighted his concern regarding proposals to change or halt federal funding for the National Institutes of Health for research programs at universities and medical systems, his office said.

Other members of the council include Republican Govs. Brian Kemp of Georgia, Ron DeSantis of Florida, Jeff Landry of Louisiana, and Henry McMaster of South Carolina. Democratic Govs. include Wes Moore of Maryland, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, and Kathy Hochul of New York.