Democrats Break the GOP Supermajority in the Legislature-But Barely
Democrats Break the GOP Supermajority in the LegislatureBut Barely
State House Democrats gained one seat Tuesday, diminishing the Republicans advantage and giving Democratic Gov.-elect Josh Stein more leverage to influence legislation.
by Ren Larson
November 6, 2024
When state House Republicans redrew district lines last year, they moved Democratic Rep. Lindsey Prather from a Buncombe County district that was safely Democratic to one that leans Republican. Prather was opposed by Republican Ruth Smith, a personal injury attorney who has filed federal lawsuits challenging the city of Ashevilles affirmative action policies.
The northern Buncombe County district includes regions that were heavily pummeled by Hurricane Helene, and parts that fared better than the county overall. Prather still doesnt have potable water at her house, and amid the most destructive storm in North Carolinas history, she quickly pivoted from campaigning to help her residents find recovery resources, delivered in 160-character texts.
Roughly three weeks after Helene hit, Prather said the tone changed, with residents wanting not just voting information, but wanting to have wide-ranging policy discussionsabout building codes, education funding for school psychologists, and how unemployment programs dont support some small businesses and gig workers. She won with 51.4 percent of the vote.
When youre in a disaster, it matters who your leaders are, Prather said.
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