Background
Neal Hunt was born in Thomasville, North Carolina on September 17, 1942, but grew up in the Raleigh area graduating from Ravenscroft School in 1960.
State Legislator real estate company executive
Neal Hunt was born in Thomasville, North Carolina on September 17, 1942, but grew up in the Raleigh area graduating from Ravenscroft School in 1960.
He then went on to receive his Bachelor of Science in Spanish from Hampden–Sydney College in 1964 and an Master of Business Administration from Wharton School in 1968.
He was first elected to the Senate in 2004. He previously served two terms in an at-large seat on the Raleigh City Council. Hunt went to work for Wachovia in Raleigh becoming a regional manager for commercial real estate lending.
Later, he started his own real estate development firm.
Hunt served for seven years on the Raleigh Planning Commission from 1993 to 2000. He then ran for an at-large seat on the Raleigh City Council winning two terms.
He served from 2001 until his election to State Senate in 2004. Hunt defeated Bowles 54.9%–45.1%.
Neither Hunt nor his general election challengers faced any primaries in 2008.
The general election featured Hunt versus the Democratic nominee, financial adviser Chris Mintz, and the Libertarian candidate January MacKay. Again having no primary challenger for his seat in 2010, Hunt faced Democratic candidate and state employee Charles Malone, in the general election. Hunt defeated Malone 60.55%–39.45%.
Hunt was only challenged in the general election in 2012 by Sig Hutchinson, a Democratic marketing consultant and environmental activist.
Hunt defeated Hutchinson, 55.82%–44.18%. Hunt is Company-Chair of the Appropriations/Base Budget standing committee in the state senate.
Stance on Marijuana.
Advisory board Raleigh Rescue Mission, 1999—2006, treasurer board directors, 2000—2002. Member Friends of Lake Johnson Board, 2004—2006. Advisory board Camp Oak Hill, since 2003, North Carolina Museum Natural Science.
Vice chair Wake County Open Space Task Force, 1996—1998. Member Raleigh Planning Commission, 1995—2001, chair, 1998—2001, City Council Comprehensive Planning Committee, 2001—2004. Member of Raleigh Home Builders Association (director 1980-1984), Kappa Sigma (Epsilon Chapter) (president 1964).
Married Frances Campbell, November 14, 1963. Children: Eleanor Scott, Kemp Neal.