The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is vowing to use its resources to ensure Democrats wrangle at least one seat in either legislative chamber this election cycle in order to ensure a Democratic Governor has veto power.
The GOP currently has enough members to override vetoes from North Carolina’s current Democratic Governor, Roy Cooper. If Democrats flipped just one seat in either chamber, the GOP would lose its veto-proof majority.
Republicans gained a veto-proof majority in the House last April when Charlotte-area Rep. Tricia Cotham switched parties from Democrat to Republican, resulting in 72 seats of the 120-seat chamber being controlled by GOP members. The GOP had already held a veto-proof majority in the Senate, with 30 members.
The DLCC issued a statement as lawmakers in the Tar Heel state convene for the Legislative Session, noting the difficult task ahead for Democrats even with an ally in the Governor’s mansion.
“This Legislative Session, Democrats in the minority will once again lead the important work combatting North Carolina Republican extremism. From protecting public schools to fighting back against even more attacks on fundamental freedoms, Democrats are laser-focused on fighting for North Carolina communities this Session,” DLCC National Press Secretary Sam Paisley said in a statement.
Paisley said the Legislative Session will serve as a reminder of the stakes this election cycle.
“Democrats are razor close to breaking Republicans’ toxic supermajorities — the DLCC is committed to gaining at least one seat in either chamber to end the GOP’s dangerous, unchecked power and protect our next Democratic Governor’s veto. North Carolina is an example of how just one legislative seat can change the balance of power for millions.”
Cooper is not seeking re-election due to term limits. Running to replace him are current Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein and Republican Lieutenant Gov. Mark Robinson.
Democrats are banking on a Stein victory to complement efforts in legislative races. But it’s expected to be close. A recent Quinnipiac University poll showed Stein had the edge, at 52% to 44%.
Stein’s advantage is largely fueled by a lead among political independents (52% to 43%) and from some crossover support from Republicans bucking their party — Democrats support Stein 96% to 3%, while Republicans support Robinson just 87% to 8%.
Robinson has been a controversial figure who has, at times, made incendiary comments about LGBTQ+ issues and women in Christian leadership. And Robinson once called former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton a “heifer” and said former First Lady Michelle Obama was a man.
While former President Donald Trump won North Carolina twice — in 2016 and 2020 — Democrats have had success in the Governor’s Mansion, losing just one race since 1992.
The GOP is working to change course, with the Republican Governors Association going in hard on Robinson’s campaign. Among other efforts, the group launched a website attacking Stein, though it did not specifically mention Robinson.
