NC Rep Cotham Switches Parties, Giving GOP Veto-Proof Control

Raleigh -- April 5, 2024: In a surprising move, North Carolina Representative Tricia Cotham of Mecklenburg County
switched parties yesterday,  leaving the Democratic Party to join the Republican Party.

Cotham, who has significant Democratic roots, including a mother who serves on the Mecklenburg County commission and has been a Democratic
National Committee member, cited disagreements with the Democratic Party's direction as the reason for her switch.

The move gives the GOP veto-proof control in North Carolina, which means they can override any vetoes by the Democratic Governor Roy Cooper. This could have significant implications for a number of issues, including gun rights, immigration, voting, and abortion.

Gun rights are a hotly contested issue in North Carolina, and with the GOP now in control, it is likely that we will see
further relaxation of gun control laws. Republicans in the state have already been pushing for looser gun laws, and with Cotham's switch, they now have the power to make it happen.

Immigration is another issue that could be affected by the GOP's new veto-proof control. Republicans have traditionally taken a hardline stance on immigration, and with the party now in power, we may see stricter immigration laws being passed.

Voting is also likely to be affected by the GOP's new control. Republicans in North Carolina have been pushing for stricter voting laws for years, and with the power to override vetoes, they may be able to pass laws that make it harder for people
to vote.

Finally, it is worth noting that Republicans in North Carolina are also interested in further restricting abortion following last year's U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. With Cotham's switch, they now have the power to make this happen.

Overall, Tricia Cotham's switch to the Republican Party has significant implications for a number of issues in North Carolina. With the GOP now in control, we may see looser gun laws, stricter immigration laws, stricter voting laws, and further restrictions on abortion.

WNCtimes