Tony Gurley

Tony Gurley
Wake County Commissioner
In office
2002–2014
Chairman, Wake County Board of Commissioners
In office
2005 – 2007, 2010
Preceded by Joe Bryan
Succeeded by Paul Coble
Personal details
Born (1956-04-03) April 3, 1956
McDowell County, North Carolina
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Robin Gurley
Residence Raleigh, North Carolina
Alma mater University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Tony Gurley (born April 3, 1956) is an American businessman and political figure from North Carolina, currently serving as chief operating officer for the Office of State Budget and Management.[1] He served on the Wake County Board of Commissioners from his election in 2002 until he resigned in 2014 to take the state position. Gurley served as Vice-Chairman of the board of commissioners in 2005 and as Chairman in 2006-2007, and 2010.

By education, Gurley is both a pharmacist and attorney. He is a member of the North Carolina Republican Party.[2] In 2011, Gurley filed paperwork to run for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina in 2012, but was subsequently defeated by Dan Forest in the Republican primary.[3]

Early life, education and business career

Gurley was born and raised in McDowell County in Western North Carolina. After graduating from high school, Tony attended University of North Carolina and received his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 1978. He continued his studies at UNC and in 1981 received his Masters Degree in Pharmacy Administration. In 1999, he entered Law School at North Carolina Central University. He graduated in 2003. After receiving his law degree, Gurley opened the Law practice of Gurley & Cookson in Raleigh, although he was not active in practicing law.[4]

Wake County politics

Gurley began his political career in Raleigh in 2002 when he was elected at-large to the Wake County Board of Commissioners. Gurley was re-elected in 2006, and 2010 respectively.[4]

2012 run for lieutenant governor

In March 2011, Gurley announced via Twitter that he filed organizational papers to run for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina in 2012.[3] In September 2011, Gurley's candidacy was endorsed by former Lieutenant Governor James Carson Gardner, stating that he liked the idea that Gurley, a pharmacy owner, had a background in business.[5] Shortly thereafter, Gurley was also endorsed by Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison.[6]

Primary Results

Republican primary results [7]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Dan Forest 251,885 32.9
Republican Tony Gurley 189,954 24.9
Republican Dale Folwell 185,535 24.3
Republican Grey Mills 112,063 14.7
Republican Arthur Jason Rich 25,015 3.3
Total votes 764,452 100

Under state law, if no candidate receives 40 percent of the vote in the primary, the second-place candidate can request a second primary (runoff).[8] According to unofficial May 8 primary election results, Gurley came in second, and he announced that he would request such a runoff.[9] Gurley was defeated by Dan Forest on July 17.

Republican 2nd primary results [10]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Dan Forest 101,428 67.9
Republican Tony Gurley 47,978 32.1
Total votes 149,406 100

References

  1. ↑ Tony Gurley accepts state budget position, resigns as Wake Co. commissioner
  2. ↑ Goldsmith, Thomas (11 October 2010). "Newcomer goes after Gurley". Raleigh News & Observer. Retrieved 3 November 2011.
  3. 1 2 Cornatzer, Mary (23 March 2011). "Gurley files papers for Lt. Governor bid". Raleigh News & Observer. Retrieved 3 November 2011.
  4. 1 2 "Commissioner Profiles". WakeGov.com. County of Wake. Retrieved 3 November 2011.
  5. ↑ Christensen, Rob (26 September 2011). "Gardner backs Gurley for lt. gov.". Raleigh News & Observer. Retrieved 3 November 2011.
  6. ↑ Harrison endorses Gurley for Lt. Gov.
  7. ↑ http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/NC/36596/80862/en/summary.html
  8. ↑ Poll suggests GOP headed toward runoff in Lt. Gov. and Auditor races
  9. ↑ Tony Gurley statement
  10. ↑ http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/NC/40173/91795/en/summary.html
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