After Democrats secured victories in key races across the state, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein outlined his priorities and plans for working with the General Assembly. In post-election remarks last week, Gov. Stein called for compromise with state lawmakers as his administration looks to prioritize what he believes voters called for on Election night.
“The voters want leaders who work together on their behalf,” Gov. Stein stated. “Our job as those elected leaders is to listen and to work together because we can work together to lower costs. The costs of housing, electricity, and healthcare are too high for North Carolina families. We can work together to keep people safe.”
Democrats flipped 16 N.C. House of Representatives seats and closed the gap in the state Senate. Election night marked an end to the NCGOP’s 16-year control of the General Assembly and a break to the GOP supermajority in the state Senate.
“In January 2027, the North Carolina House of Representatives will be under Democratic control,” House Democratic Leader Robert Reives told The Assembly. “Relief is coming on its way. No more looking at the papers scared of what’s getting ready to happen. No more wondering how many more times you’re going to be undercut and kicked in the gut. You are going to be able to look at at least one chamber in your government and know we’ve got nothing else on our minds except to take care of you.”
While GOP lawmakers are scheduled to return to Raleigh the week of November 16 to 19, Gov. Stein is urging state lawmakers to not play political games, but instead focus on the needs of North Carolinians.
“It’s not necessary that they actually come back in a lame duck session. I know that was the plan before, but my view is that the voters spoke pretty daggum loud last night about who they want making decisions for them,” stated Gov. Stein.
Looking to 2027, Gov. Stein wants lawmakers to agree on passing a state budget, consider an independent redistricting commission, and additional aid for Hurricane Helene recovery, among other key issues.
“Let’s just sit down and start talking about what my priorities are, what your (House) priorities are, what your (Senate) priorities are, and how can we put them together — those puzzle pieces — in a way that it actually creates a beautiful picture for the state of North Carolina,” Gov. Stein stated.
