Ex-Gov. Hunt Won’t Run Against Sen. East

Former Democratic North Carolina Gov. James B. Hunt Jr. said that he will not run in 1986 for the seat held by Republican Sen. John P. East, a blow to Democrats who see the state as crucial to their hopes of regaining control of the Senate.

Hunt, who lost a bitter race to Republican Sen. Jesse Helms last year, said he wants to spend more time with his family and is not ready to return to politics.