(The Center Square) – Four races are expected to decide just how much power Republicans can muster in the 120-seat North Carolina House of Representatives this fall.
Two others are considered worthy in the discussion and three more represent longshots. Because of location and a party switch, the most talked-about in the lead-up for more than a year is held by Rep. Tricia Cotham, R-Mecklenburg. Results could render someone else grabbing headlines after ballots are counted.
Four veterans of state politics, inclusive of the political spectrum left and right, provided analysis to The Center Square. Party targets and map redistricting shaped considerations. Collectively, there’s belief a few seats are competitive and possible to flip, though on the whole of 170 in the General Assembly it represents a small fraction of Election Day activity.
Early in-person voting begins in 10 days on Thursday of next week; Election Day is 29 days away; and absentee by mail voting is underway.
Historical pattern and ongoing polling futures favors a Democrat to keep the office of governor. Enacting legislation in the General Assembly, therefore, can hinge with ability to withstand gubernatorial veto. Majorities are expected for Republicans and three-fifths majorities – lawful minimum to override vetoes – means minimums of 30 in the Senate, 72 in the House.