Following Tricia Cotham’s switch to the Republican Party, there have been mixed reactions from North Carolina’s political community. Republicans have celebrated Cotham’s switch as a sign of their growing strength and as a potential end to Governor Roy Cooper’s veto power. Meanwhile, Democrats have criticized Cotham for turning her back on the party that elected her and questioned her motives for switching parties.
Democratic Representative Pricey Harrison expressed her disappointment with Cotham’s decision in a statement, saying that “it’s a sad day when political opportunism trumps loyalty and conviction.” Harrison added that Democrats “are focused on expanding access to healthcare, strengthening public education, and creating good jobs, while Republicans are focused on stripping away voting rights and making it harder for people to make ends meet.”
Similarly, NC Democratic Party Chairman Bobbie Richardson issued a statement expressing disappointment in Cotham’s decision to switch parties, saying that “It’s never easy to see someone leave the Democratic Party, but it’s especially disappointing when that person is someone who was elected by Democrats and has served as a representative of our party.”
On the other side, Republicans have praised Cotham’s decision, with NC GOP Chairman Michael Whatley saying that “Tricia Cotham is a respected public servant and her decision to join the Republican Party is welcome news for conservatives across North Carolina.” Whatley also touted the Republican Party’s recent successes in the state, including passing the state budget, cutting taxes, and expanding school choice.
It remains to be seen what kind of impact Cotham’s switch will have on North Carolina politics in the coming months and years. With Republicans now holding a veto-proof majority in the state legislature, they will have more power to push through their agenda without needing to compromise with Governor Cooper.
However, Democrats still hold a majority in the state’s congressional delegation, and the state is expected to be a key battleground in the 2022 midterm elections.
Regardless of the political fallout, Cotham’s decision to switch parties underscores the increasingly polarized nature of American politics and the growing divide between the two major parties.
As more politicians choose to switch parties or become independents, it remains to be seen whether the current two-party system can continue to function effectively or whether a new political realignment is on the horizon.
Source https://www.foxnews.com/politics/north-carolina-democrat-expected-switch-parties-join-gop