North Carolina Governor Vetoes GOP Bill Targeting Incoming Democratic Officials

The vetoed legislation sought to reduce Democratic authority in key state offices while attaching limited disaster relief for Hurricane Helene.

Outgoing Governor Roy Cooper vetoed a Republican-backed bill that would strip powers from incoming Democratic officials, including the governor-elect and attorney general.
The legislation proposed transferring appointments for the State Board of Elections from the governor to the Republican state auditor, potentially shifting election oversight to GOP control.
Democrats criticized the bill as a partisan power grab disguised as disaster relief, with limited funds allocated for Hurricane Helene recovery and most of it inaccessible until further legislative action.
The bill also aimed to limit the attorney general’s ability to challenge state laws in court and restrict the governor’s authority to appoint judges to appellate courts.
Republicans, who currently hold a supermajority in the legislature, plan to attempt a veto override, but dissent from three GOP lawmakers could complicate their efforts.