Jim Hunt Democratic James G. Martin Republican The 1984 North Carolina gubernatorial election was held on November 6, 1984.

Democratic incumbent Jim Hunt was unable to run for another consecutive term under the North Carolina Constitution.

Hunt ran instead for the U.S. Senate against Jesse Helms and lost, although he later announced his campaign for a third gubernatorial term in the 1992 election.

Popular 9th District Congressman James G. Martin ran as the Republican nominee against Democratic Attorney General Rufus L. Edmisten, who defeated Hunt's Lt.

An offhand remark by Edmisten during the 1984 campaign became part of the state's political lore.