In a controversial move, North Carolina lawmakers recently passed a law that diminishes the powers of incoming Democratic officials, including the governor, attorney general, and other statewide winners. The Republican-dominated House voted in favor of the bill, which was passed a week after the Senate did the same. Protesters disrupted the proceedings, leading to arrests by the General Assembly police. The law shifts power over key roles, such as the State Board of Elections, from the governor to other officials. It also limits the attorney general’s ability to challenge laws and prevents the filling of vacancies in the courts. The veto override comes during the final days of a lame-duck General Assembly session, where Republicans hold enough seats to overturn vetoes. Critics, including Governor Roy Cooper, called the bill a political power grab disguised as disaster relief funding. Democrats and advocacy groups have condemned the legislation as an attack on democracy. The law is expected to face legal challenges, similar to past attempts to diminish the governor’s powers.
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