Democrats, Independents, and Republicans Unite to Break Supermajority in North Carolina
- Josh Stein won the governor's race in North Carolina, enabling him to wield veto power.
- The General Assembly can override a governor's veto, necessitating a three-fifths majority.
- The recent electoral outcomes indicate a potential change in legislative dynamics with bipartisan efforts.
In the recent North Carolina governor's race, Josh Stein emerged victorious, leading to significant political shifts within the state's legislature. Democrats managed to win 49 seats while Republicans secured 71 seats in the House of Representatives. This shift is crucial because it allowed for the return of the veto pen to the newly elected Governor Stein, though the veto is not guaranteed due to the potential for override by the General Assembly. Historically, the General Assembly can override a veto with a three-fifths majority, requiring 30 votes in the Senate and 72 votes in the House. Competitive races saw Democrats collaborating with independents and some Republicans to overcome the Republican supermajority which has previously limited veto power. While the General Assembly often votes along party lines, some legislation is still passed with bipartisan support, highlighting the complicated nature of political cooperation in North Carolina. The developments signal a change in the state’s political landscape as Stein prepares to utilize the veto power granted by a ballot referendum approved in 1995.