In a decisive move to secure conservative governance in North Carolina, state Republicans on Wednesday overrode Gov. Roy Cooper’s (D) veto.
The action enacts a sweeping bill that reshapes the state’s power dynamics.
The 72-46 party-line vote in the House, combined with the Senate’s earlier override on December 2, ensures the legislation’s passage into law—a significant victory for Republicans as they prepare for a political landscape shift in 2025.
The legislation, while providing $227 million in hurricane relief for western North Carolina following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, also implements critical reforms that many conservatives argue are essential to maintaining checks and balances in the face of an impending Democratic executive takeover.
Hurricane Helene, which struck in late September, caused over $50 billion in damages and claimed more than 100 lives.
Though the aid package falls short of prior funding rounds, Republicans defended it as an essential step in addressing long-term recovery needs while also addressing broader governance issues.
Key provisions of the bill include transferring the governor’s power to appoint members of the state elections board to the state auditor, an office that will soon be held by Republican Dave Boliek.
This change, conservatives say, is a necessary step to ensure election integrity and balance as Democrat Josh Stein takes the governorship in 2025.
Additionally, the legislation restricts the attorney general’s authority, particularly in handling out-of-state lawsuits, preventing the office from taking positions contrary to statutes passed by the Republican-controlled legislature.
With Democrat Jeff Jackson poised to become attorney general, Republicans argue these changes are critical to upholding legislative priorities and ensuring a consistent legal approach.
The bill also includes election reforms, reducing the time for counting absentee ballots and eliminating a requirement that absentee ballots be received before Election Day to be counted.
These changes aim to streamline election processes and enhance trust in electoral outcomes.
Despite its merits, critics—largely from the left—have derided the bill as a “power grab,” accusing Republicans of using hurricane relief as a cover for reducing executive authority.
Liberal-leaning outlet The News & Observer reported the bill was drafted in secret and rushed to a vote without committee hearings.
Public galleries were filled with protesters holding signs such as “Stop the power grab,” but Republicans argue the urgency was necessary to address pressing issues before their veto-proof supermajority ends.
For conservatives, this legislation is a strategic victory, preserving the party’s influence and ensuring policies remain aligned with Republican values even as Democrats prepare to assume key executive roles in 2025.
“… critics—largely from the left—have derided the bill as a “power grab” …”
You leftists and communists would have done the same thing. Too f’ing bad!! What goes around, comes around. When it bites you in the ass, I hope it hurts real bad.
And remember what your god, obama, said when he won his 2008 election: “We won, you lost. Get over it!”