Art Pope

Art Pope (born 1956) is a conservative American businessman and political donor from North Carolina. He is the chairman and CEO of Variety Wholesalers, Inc., a family-owned discount retail chain operating primarily in the Southeastern United States.

Pope's influence extends significantly into North Carolina politics and conservative advocacy. He has been a major funder of conservative think tanks and political organizations, both at the state and national level. These include the John Locke Foundation, a free-market think tank based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the Pope Center for Higher Education Policy. He has also contributed to organizations such as Americans for Prosperity and the Republican State Leadership Committee.

Pope's political activity has focused on promoting policies related to limited government, free markets, and individual liberty. He served on the University of North Carolina Board of Governors from 2003 to 2017, a period during which the university system saw significant changes and often contentious debates regarding tuition, academic freedom, and political influence on campus.

His involvement in politics has drawn both praise and criticism. Supporters laud his commitment to conservative principles and his efforts to advance policies they believe are beneficial to economic growth and individual freedom. Critics, on the other hand, express concern about the influence of wealthy donors on political discourse and policy decisions, particularly regarding education and environmental regulations. They argue that his investments in conservative organizations have shifted the political landscape in North Carolina to the right.