Ruby Hooper

Ruby T. Hooper (October 5, 1924 – October 12, 2007) was an American dietitian, healthcare food service director, and politician from North Carolina. In 1984, Hooper made history by becoming the first woman to run for Governor of North Carolina as a major party candidate.

Education and personal life Hooper was born in Saluda, North Carolina. She earned an associate degree from Mars Hill College in 1943 and a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro in 1945. She later ran as a Republican Party candidate in the 1984 North Carolina gubernatorial election. However, she was defeated in the Republican primary by James G. Martin, who went on to be elected the governor of North Carolina in the general election. She served as deputy secretary of the Department of Human Resources in Martin's administration.