North Carolina Democrat expected to switch parties, giving Republicans supermajority in state legislature

Tricia Cotham, the Democratic State Representative of North Carolina, is expected to switch to the Republican Party according to sources. This move is expected to provide Republicans with a supermajority in the state House.

The News and Observer reported that Cotham will announce her party switch in a press conference on Wednesday morning. Republicans require only one more vote to possess a veto-proof supermajority, and this step is considered to be a major boost to Republicans.

It has been speculated for some time that Cotham could switch parties, and she has earned a reputation for reaching across the aisle. The speculation came to a head last week.

Republicans are now expected to be able to push through legislation on gun control, abortion, and education, which were previously blocked or vetoed by Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat.

The Democratic Party acknowledges the move, and House Minority Leader Robert Reives has called for Cotham’s resignation. He says Cotham’s switch is not in line with the values that were presented to voters of House District 112, which is a 60% Democratic district.

Cotham’s switch has caused Cooper to express his concern over the situation. “This is a disappointing decision. Rep. Cotham’s votes on women’s reproductive freedom, election laws, LGBTQ rights, and strong public schools will determine the direction of the state we love. It’s hard to believe she would abandon these long-held principles,” he said.

Democratic Party Chairwoman Jane Whitley, who is from Cotham’s county, has asked for her resignation calling the switch, “deceit of the highest order”.

According to Democratic State Representative Cecil Brockman, Cotham was pushed to switch parties due to the harsh treatment she received from her own party, and he doesn’t blame her for the move.