State Rep. Tricia Cotham’s Party Switch Gives Republicans Veto-Proof Majority in North Carolina House

State Rep. Tricia Cotham, who was elected as a Democrat in her blue district last fall, announced Wednesday that she has changed her party affiliation to the Republican Party. Cotham made the announcement at a press conference with state Republican leaders in Raleigh, saying that the modern-day Democratic Party has become unrecognizable to her.

Cotham, who was first appointed to fill a vacant seat in 2008, said that she had hoped to make change in the Democratic Party, but ultimately decided to switch parties. Her decision gives Republicans 72 seats in the state House, allowing them to achieve a supermajority and the ability to override any veto from Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper.

Cotham, who was previously pro-choice, said she is now open to restricting abortion care in North Carolina. This switch gives Republicans a veto-proof majority which they can use to thwart Cooper’s decisions.

The Republican supermajority in the state House could have major implications for North Carolina, as the legislature and governor frequently clash on issues such as abortion. Cotham’s switch will likely have a significant impact on the state’s political landscape.