In North Carolina, however, things are looking up after a Democrat state delegate chose to swap parties and become a Republican. More significantly, the action gives the Republicans a supermajority in the chamber.
Axios broke the story.
“A North Carolina Democrat lawmaker is expected to switch parties, according to numerous Republicans with knowledge about the discussions,” Axios reports.
“The move would solidify Republicans’ foothold in a volatile swing state, giving them a veto-proof majority in the midst of the current legislative session and an undeniable runway to implement their agenda despite Democratic Governor Roy Cooper’s opposition.”
“Republicans, who are presently one seat shy of a supermajority in the legislature, have been anticipating that state Representative Tricia Cotham, a Dem. from Charlotte, would switch parties at some point during this session, but the possibility became more probable last week, according to a Republican House member.”
“Cotham is expected to make a decision on Wednesday.”
Democrat Roy Cooper is the present governor of North Carolina, and he has had veto authority since taking office in 2017. Republicans now have the clout to sidestep him and push their plan forward without hindrance. That’s significant in a state that has become contentious at best in recent electoral campaigns. Even in 2022, the GOP narrowly won a senatorial seat with Ted Budd, despite cleaning house on the state Supreme Court. The latter will enable them to draw additional districts in the future, which is what caused Tricia Cotham’s party switch.
Cooper has been strategically neutralized, which is a positive thing. Republicans can help put the state back into the red corner if they perform for the people. That would be enormous for North Carolinians, but also for any Republican presidential contender.
