NC Republicans Crush Governor's Vetoes as Democrats Break Ranks

Paul Riverbank, 7/30/2025Democratic lawmakers break ranks with party to help Republicans override Governor's vetoes in NC.

I've covered the North Carolina legislature for years, and what struck me most was watching Democratic Representatives like Nasif Majeed break ranks on deeply personal grounds. "I had some moral issues about that and I had to lean on my values," Majeed explained after supporting the controversial gender definitions bill. His candor offered a refreshing glimpse into how lawmakers sometimes prioritize conscience over party loyalty.

The mathematics of power in Raleigh make these crossover votes particularly significant. While Republicans dominate the Senate with a veto-proof majority, they fall just one seat short in the House. This razor-thin margin has typically frustrated GOP attempts to override vetoes – until now.

The successful overrides touched several hot-button issues. A measure requiring sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration authorities gained support from Democratic Rep. Carla Cunningham, who stood her ground despite heckling from the gallery. Another bill allowing private schools to arm staff members found unexpected Democratic allies concerned about campus safety.

What's particularly telling about Tuesday's session was the disconnect between Governor Stein's positions and the views of some members of his own party. Senate President Phil Berger didn't miss the opportunity to highlight this gap, though his rhetoric about "criminal illegal aliens" and "divisive DEI concepts" felt more like campaign fodder than substantive policy critique.

Stein, meanwhile, tried steering attention toward budget negotiations. "There's one bill that matters to every North Carolinian – the budget," he insisted. But the day's events suggest that on certain issues – particularly those involving traditional values, public safety, and immigration enforcement – the governor's influence over his party may be waning.

Looking ahead, six more vetoed bills await potential override attempts. The willingness of some Democratic lawmakers to break ranks suggests we might be seeing a subtle shift in North Carolina's political landscape. When legislators feel empowered to vote their conscience rather than their party line, it creates opportunities for genuine bipartisan governance – something increasingly rare in American politics today.

This development bears watching closely. While eight override votes don't necessarily signal a new era of bipartisanship, they remind us that even in our polarized times, political allegiances aren't always set in stone. Sometimes, as Tuesday demonstrated, deeply held personal values can still trump party loyalty.

North Carolina's statehouse witnessed an unusual display of bipartisan cooperation Tuesday, as several Democratic lawmakers crossed party lines to help Republicans override Governor Josh Stein's vetoes. The day's events revealed fascinating cracks in the typically rigid party discipline that defines modern American politics.I've covered the North Carolina legislature for years, and what struck me most was watching Democratic Representatives like Nasif Majeed break ranks on deeply personal grounds. "I had some moral issues about that and I had to lean on my values," Majeed explained after supporting the controversial gender definitions bill. His candor offered a refreshing glimpse into how lawmakers sometimes prioritize conscience over party loyalty.The mathematics of power in Raleigh make these crossover votes particularly significant. While Republicans dominate the Senate with a veto-proof majority, they fall just one seat short in the House. This razor-thin margin has typically frustrated GOP attempts to override vetoes – until now.The successful overrides touched several hot-button issues. A measure requiring sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration authorities gained support from Democratic Rep. Carla Cunningham, who stood her ground despite heckling from the gallery. Another bill allowing private schools to arm staff members found unexpected Democratic allies concerned about campus safety.What's particularly telling about Tuesday's session was the disconnect between Governor Stein's positions and the views of some members of his own party. Senate President Phil Berger didn't miss the opportunity to highlight this gap, though his rhetoric about "criminal illegal aliens" and "divisive DEI concepts" felt more like campaign fodder than substantive policy critique.Stein, meanwhile, tried steering attention toward budget negotiations. "There's one bill that matters to every North Carolinian – the budget," he insisted. But the day's events suggest that on certain issues – particularly those involving traditional values, public safety, and immigration enforcement – the governor's influence over his party may be waning.Looking ahead, six more vetoed bills await potential override attempts. The willingness of some Democratic lawmakers to break ranks suggests we might be seeing a subtle shift in North Carolina's political landscape. When legislators feel empowered to vote their conscience rather than their party line, it creates opportunities for genuine bipartisan governance – something increasingly rare in American politics today.This development bears watching closely. While eight override votes don't necessarily signal a new era of bipartisanship, they remind us that even in our polarized times, political allegiances aren't always set in stone. Sometimes, as Tuesday demonstrated, deeply held personal values can still trump party loyalty.