Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Dan Forest

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 21, 2025

How Dan Forest built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Dan Forest is an American politician notable for serving as the 34th Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina from 2013 to 2021. The son of former congresswoman Sue Myrick, Forest transitioned from his profession as an architect into politics. He secured the Republican nomination for Governor of North Carolina in 2020, but was ultimately defeated by the incumbent, Governor Roy Cooper.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

July 2012: Secured Republican Nomination

In July 2012, Dan Forest secured the Republican nomination after defeating Tony Gurley in the second primary (runoff election), receiving 67.87% of the vote.

November 2012: Elected Lieutenant Governor

In November 2012, Dan Forest was elected Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina after defeating Linda Coleman by a very small margin.

January 7, 2013: Sworn in as Lieutenant Governor

On January 7, 2013, Dan Forest was officially sworn in as the Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina.

2013: Became Lieutenant Governor

In 2013, Dan Forest became the 34th lieutenant governor of North Carolina, serving until 2021.

November 2016: Re-elected Lieutenant Governor

In November 2016, Dan Forest was re-elected as Lieutenant Governor, defeating Linda Coleman in a rematch.

January 1, 2017: Second term began

On January 1, 2017, Dan Forest's second term as Lieutenant Governor began.

2018: Chairman of Republican Lieutenant Governors Association

In 2018, Dan Forest began a one-year term as the chairman of the Republican Lieutenant Governors Association.

January 2019: Exploratory Committee for Governor

In January 2019, Dan Forest announced the formation of an exploratory committee to run for governor, challenging Roy Cooper in 2020.

August 2019: Campaign Launched

In August 2019, Dan Forest formally launched his campaign for governor, denouncing "socialism" and highlighting his anti-abortion views.

March 2020: Won Republican Primary

In March 2020, Dan Forest won the Republican primary election for governor, defeating Holly Grange.

April 2020: COVID-19 Economic Assistance

In April 2020, Dan Forest's campaign stated it had given nearly $200,000 from the gubernatorial campaign fund for COVID-19 economic assistance in North Carolina.

September 2020: Reopening Schools

In September 2020, Dan Forest said that, if elected, he would immediately reopen all K-12 public schools for in-person learning and expressed his opinion that masks were unnecessary.

November 3, 2020: Lost General Election

On November 3, 2020, Roy Cooper defeated Dan Forest in the general election by 4.51%.

2020: Gubernatorial Campaign

In 2020, Dan Forest's campaign for governor included calling for an expanded state-funded school voucher program.

2021: End of term as Lieutenant Governor

In 2021, Dan Forest's term as the 34th Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina ended.

2022: Mentioned as Senate Candidate

In 2022, Dan Forest was mentioned as a potential candidate for the North Carolina Senate race, after Richard Burr announced he would not seek re-election.