The democrats gave the Republicans vetoproof supermajority in the state House

Tricia Cotham: Adding an Extra Dimension to the U.S. Senator’s Challenge Against Democracy in Mecklenburg County

A Democratic lawmaker announced that she was going to switch parties and give Democrats a veto-proof majority in the state’s legislature.

The GOP Chairman in North Carolina said in a statement that the announcement continues to think that the Democratic Party is too radical for the state.

I am a single mom of two amazing sons, a small-business owner, a woman with strong faith, a national championship basketball coach, and a public servant. Today I add Republican to that list,” she said, noting that she had “been welcomed with open arms” by her new colleagues.

Cotham’s switch could have major implications for lawmaking in the Tar Heel State. Republicans already held a supermajority in the North Carolina Senate. The flip gives them 72 seats in the House, and enough votes in both chambers to win over any vetoes from the governor.

US Rep. Jeff Jackson, a former state senator who represents parts of Mecklenburg County, tweeted Wednesday that Cotham’s decision represented a “political earthquake” that “will have major consequences for millions of people.”

At the news conference Wednesday, Cotham said that the turning point in his life was when people began to criticize him for use of the American flag and praying hands on social media.

She said that she was deeply offended by the conversations happening at the time and that she felt it was wrong to state that a flag had been hijacked for something else.

“The values of the Republican Party align with voters, and the People of Mecklenburg County should be proud to have her representation in Raleigh,” he said.

The leader of the Republican National Committee welcomed Cotham to her party, saying in a statement that the Democrats are reading the writing on the wall and are failing Americans.

Cameron Pruette, the chair of the LGBTQ+ Democrats of Mecklenburg County, said at the news conference, “I knew there was a problem, when we invited Tricia Cotham to the Human Rights Campaign dinner a few weeks ago, she didn’t show up. Is this a premeditated move? How long has she heard about it? The voters need to know.

“While we don’t know how she will vote on any given bill, dozens of bills that were essentially dead – from elections law changes to reproductive freedom to LGBTQ rights to education policy – may have just sprung back to life,” he said. “And the state budget – which controls education funding – can now be passed entirely on the basis of Republican votes.”

There are no recall provisions in North Carolina. She’s able to serve her full term, which began in January. Jackson said that the Republicans will now be in full control for that period.

Cotham’s campaign website, which still listed her as a Democrat as of Wednesday afternoon, touted priorities such as protecting voting rights, affordable housing, health care and equitable public schools, among other issues. Under a section entitled “Equality for All,” Cotham calls herself a “champion of LGBTQ+ rights” and states, “Right now, LGBTQ+ youth are under attack by Republican state legislatures across the country. I will stand strong against discriminatory legislation and work to pass more protections at the state level.”

Last week, North Carolina Republicans overrode Cooper’s veto to enact legislation softening permit requirements for pistol purchases. The absence of three Democrats in the state House, including Cotham, allowed Republicans to push through the override.

Have you been attacked by democrats? I’m sorry you, but I haven’t been there in a long time. I can’t blame the Democrats

I have been attacked by Democrats when I’ve been up here, from being called names on the internet, to going after my family.

The party wants to villainize anyone who has free thought, free judgment, has solutions and wants to get to work to better our state. Not just sit in a meeting and have a workshop after a workshop, but really work with individuals to get things done. That is what real public servants do. If you aren’t following their instructions, the Democrats will try to bully you. They will attempt to keep you out of sight.