A North Carolina Democrat secretly switched political parties and reportedly joined the Republican this week.
On Tuesday, former Democrat Rep. Tricia Cotham, who represents a Democratic-leaning district in the Charlotte area, secretly joined the Republican Party and claimed that her decision was influenced by her frustration and disagreements with the modern state Democratic Party.
In a statement Cotham released on Wednesday morning during a press conference, the former Democrat claimed that “the party wants to villainize anyone who has free thought, free judgment, has solutions and wants to get to work to better our state. Not just sit in a meeting and have a workshop after a workshop, but really work with individuals to get things done.
“What happened to the concept of a big tent party? What happened to these ideas that we’re inclusive, we’re tolerant, we’re so welcoming to everybody. No, you’re not,” she added.
Following her announcement, Michael Whatley, the chair of the North Carolina Republican Party welcomed the ex-Democrat, claiming that Cotham’s decision to leave the Dems and join the Republicans was proof that Democrats had moved too far to the left.
Big win. Welcome to the @NCHouseGOP Caucus @triciacotham!!! #ncga #ncpol https://t.co/pTlbOxtfop— Alfredo Rodriguez (@DyceComms) April 4, 2023
“We are thrilled to have Rep. Cotham join the Republican Party to advance solutions for North Carolina families. 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.” Whatley said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Cotham’s decision has also sparked backlash among the Democrats, with her former colleagues calling on her to resign.
“Rep. Tricia Cotham campaigned as a Democrat and supporter of abortion rights, health care, public education, gun safety and civil rights. The voters of House District 112 elected her to serve as that person and overwhelmingly supported Democratic candidates up and down the ballot.” House Democratic Leader Robert Reives said in a statement.
“The appropriate action is for her to resign so that her constituents are fairly represented in the North Carolina House of Representatives.” Reives lamented.
Anderson Clayton, the state’s Democratic party chair, and Jane White, Mecklenburg County’s Democratic party chair, echoed Reives’ call for Cotham to step down and called her “betrayal” a “deceit of the highest order.”
