North Carolina Democrat switches parties, giving Republicans veto-proof supermajority in state House

CNN  — 

North Carolina Republicans gained a veto-proof supermajority in the state House after a Charlotte-area Democrat announced Wednesday she was switching parties.

State Rep. Tricia Cotham, who won election as a Democrat in her blue district last fall by nearly 20 points, said at a news conference with state Republican leaders that “the modern-day Democratic Party has become unrecognizable to me.”

“I have decided to change my party affiliation, joining the Republican Party, and have been welcomed with open arms by my colleagues,” she said at the North Carolina GOP headquarters in Raleigh.

Cotham’s switch gives Republicans 72 seats in the state House – helping them achieve a supermajority and the ability to override any veto from Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. Republicans already held a supermajority in the North Carolina Senate.

Cotham’s plan to switch parties was first reported by Axios. CNN has reached out to Cotham about the party switch.

“This announcement continues to reflect that the Democratic Party is too radical for North Carolina. The values of the Republican Party align with voters, and the People of Mecklenburg County should be proud to have her representation in Raleigh,” North Carolina GOP Chairman Michael Whatley said in a statement Wednesday.

State Rep. Robert Reives, the Democratic leader of the state House, said Tuesday that the “appropriate action” would have been for Cotham to resign so that her constituents are fairly represented.”

“Rep. Tricia Cotham campaigned as a Democrat and supporter of abortion rights, health care, public education, gun safety, and civil rights,” Reives said in a statement. “Now, just a few months later, Rep. Cotham is changing parties. That is not the person that was presented to the voters of House District 112 … and who they championed in a general election in a 60% Democratic district.”

Last week, North Carolina Republicans overrode Cooper’s veto to enact legislation softening permit requirements for pistol purchases. The absence of three Democrats in the state House, including Cotham, allowed Republicans to push through the override, CNN affiliate WRAL reported.

This story has been updated with additional information.