North Carolina Democrat Trades in for GOP

By Jackson Kincaid

In Brief:

A North Carolina Representative has officially changed party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. Her switch created a Super Majority in the state House of Representatives.

The Background: 

Rep. Tricia Cotham won her seat by nearly 20 points last fall. However, in recent days, she has been quietly changing her allegiance, first by not voting on a bill, thereby granting more gun rights to the citizens of North Carolina, and now, officially swapping party affiliation.

And the Democrats are not having it. 

During her announcement, Cotham stated: 

“What happened to the concept of a big tent party? What happened to these ideas that we’re inclusive, we’re tolerant, we’re so welcoming to everybody? No, you’re not. The party wants to villainize anyone who has free thought, free judgment, has solutions and wants to get to work to better our state.”

Cotham continued:

“Not just sit in a meeting and have a workshop after a workshop, but really work with individuals to get things done, Because that is what real public servants do. If you don’t do exactly what the Democrats want you to do, they will try to bully you. They will try to cast you aside.”

Cotham’s move now gives the Republicans 72 seats in North Carolina’s House of Representatives, reducing Democrats to 48. Now that the Republicans have 60% of the seats, the state House GOP can more easily override vetoes by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. 

Her former allies are calling for her resignation and accusing her of “deceit of the highest order.”

Notable Quotes: 

“This announcement continues to reflect that the Democratic Party is too radical for North Carolina. The values of the Republican Party align with voters, and the People of Mecklenburg County should be proud to have her representation in Raleigh.” – Michael Whatley, Chairman of NC Republican Party