Eric Heberlig discusses the ripple effect of Tricia Cotham’s party switch
Eric Heberlig, professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, appeared on the WCNC news feature, “A closer look at the ripple effect of State Rep. Tricia Cotham’s party switch” and was quoted in the article “State representative from Mecklenburg County switching parties.”
Cotham, who won the seat as a Democrat for District 112 in 2022, made the announcement official on Wednesday. The decision gives Republicans a veto-proof supermajority in the General Assembly, allowing them to override vetoes by Governor Roy Cooper and more easily pass legislation.
Heberlig said this switch shifts the power dynamic in Raleigh quite a bit. “Last week, Republicans had veto majority in the Senate and were one short in the House,” Heberlig said. “This week after her move, as long as they can get all Republicans to vote together, they don’t need to negotiate with the governor or Democrats. They have the votes where they can do what they want.”