Article Summary –
Democrat Josh Stein’s gubernatorial win in NC will require Republicans to collaborate with Democrats in the legislature, ending the GOP’s supermajority gained through a party switch. Democrats regained power by winning key districts, promising checks on GOP’s past unchecked policies.
NC Politics: Republicans Lose Supermajority, Must Work with Democrats
With Democrat Josh Stein’s gubernatorial win, Republicans in the NC General Assembly face the challenge of collaborating with Democrats or risking Stein’s veto.
In 2023, North Carolina Republicans gained a supermajority in the legislature, allowing them to override the governor’s veto. This shift occurred when Tricia Cotham, initially a pro-choice Democrat, switched to an anti-choice Republican.
North Carolina voters have dismantled the Republican supermajority by electing Democrats to the state House of Representatives, coinciding with the election of Democrat Josh Stein as governor. The end of the supermajority empowers Stein and Democrats to counterbalance Republican dominance in the legislature.
“Despite aggressive gerrymandering, Democrats, Independents, and some Republicans united to break the supermajority,” the NC Democratic Party said on X.
Robert Reives, the Democratic leader in the state House, stated, “The unchecked supermajority pursued extreme agendas that neglected many North Carolinians.”
Democrats flipped pivotal races in Granville, Vance, Nash, and Wilson counties, securing most incumbent seats. Republicans have maintained legislative control since 2011, aided by gerrymandered districts.
With the supermajority dismantled, Republicans must negotiate with Democrats on key issues such as abortion rights, the state budget, and education funding.
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