Wednesday morning, a North Carolina Democrat state representative will join Republicans where she’s anticipated to announce she’s switching parties, allowing Republicans a veto-proof supermajority in the General Assembly.
NC Democrat To Switch Parties Allowing Republicans A Supermajority (PHOTO: Jezebel)
Democrat To Switch Parties With GOP
A North Carolina Democratic lawmaker is reportedly expected to change her political party and become a Republican, giving the GOP a veto-proof majority in the state legislature. Wednesday, State Rep. Tricia Cotham, a Democrat from Charlotte, is willing to announce her decision which cited multiple Republicans with knowledge of the discussions.
Republicans are hoping that Cotham would change parties at some point this legislative session, but the prospect became more realistic last week. North Carolina Democrat Cotham follows through, the move could have major political implications for North Carolina, a swing state where Republicans are currently one seat short of a supermajority in Congress.
North Carolina Republicans In Favor In Both The State’s House And Senate Chambers For Years
While North Carolina Republicans have maintained majorities in both the state’s House and Senate chambers for several years now, the danger of a veto from North Carolina Democrat Gov. Roy Cooper has averted them from enforcing much of their plan.
Cotham could give Republicans a straightforward path with a veto-proof majority to push a wide range of legislation, from reforming education to restricting abortion, without necessarily needing to compromise with Cooper.
It’s unclear why North Carolina Democrat Cotham may be switching parties according to Fox News Digital News. However, one feasible factor is that Cotham just skipped a vote to override Cooper’s veto of Republican-sponsored legislation easing gun laws, providing Republicans the votes must to enact the bill and make it law. Democrats slammed Cotham for not showing up.
