North Carolina power shift: Last-minute changes spark heated political debate
North Carolinaʼs governor blocks new bill that would change state officialʼs roles. Republican-led assembly pushed changes affecting multiple Democratic positions just weeks before power transition
In a last-minute political move North Carolinaʼs Gov Roy Cooper used his veto power to block new legislation that would cut powers from incoming Democratic officials (a bill that was rushed through the stateʼs General Assembly in less than a day)
The fast-tracked bill which passed during Dec 24 lame-duck session aimed to reduce authority of Josh Stein who won governorʼs race this fall; the changes would take away his power to pick state election board members. The Republican-controlled assembly pushed these modifications that affect several key positions:
- new attorney generalʼs office duties
- school superintendentʼs responsibilities
- lieutenant governorʼs role changes
The hasty legislative process — completed in under 24hrs without standard review periods — shows how current Republican majority wants to change rules before Stein and other Democrats take their posts next month. The assemblyʼs quick action during its final days didnt follow usual legislative timing
This power-shifting attempt comes right before multiple Democratic officials prepare to start their terms in Jan 25. The proposed changes would impact how these elected leaders manage their offices and make key decisions about state operations
