A Look at Political Impacts
NC Rep. Julie von Haefen took this picture from the floor as Wednesday’s vote overriding Gov. Cooper veto of SB382 took place. (Courtesy of Julie von Haefen’s office via X)
By Joshua Peters
North Carolina’s veto override process has long been a focal point in its political landscape, serving as a key mechanism through which the legislature can assert its will over gubernatorial objections. Over the years, the state has seen a number of critical events involving veto overrides, with significant implications for both parties and the broader political dynamics of governance. From its historical roots to recent developments, the use of veto overrides in North Carolina paints a vivid picture of partisan strategy and institutional power.
North Carolina did not grant veto power to its governors until 1996, making it one of the last states in the nation to do so. Before this constitutional change, the General Assembly had unrestrained authority to pass legislation without the possibility of executive rejection. Since the adoption of the gubernatorial veto, veto overrides have become a defining feature of legislative-executive relations in the state. The first successful veto override occurred in 1998 when the Democratic-controlled legislature overrode a veto by Democratic Governor Jim Hunt. This event underscored the principle that party alignment between the governor and legislature does not necessarily prevent political clashes. In subsequent years, overrides have become more frequent, especially during periods of divided government.
Throughout the early 2000s, veto overrides were relatively rare, reflecting a political culture that valued negotiation. However, this began to change as partisan polarization deepened. During Democratic Governor Beverly Perdue’s tenure (2009-2013), the Republican-controlled General Assembly frequently clashed with the executive branch. Notably, in 2012, the legislature overrode Perdue’s veto of a bill that would legalize fracking, a controversial decision with significant environmental and economic implications. This override marked a turning point in the use of the veto as a partisan tool. With the election of Republican Governor Pat McCrory in 2013, veto overrides continued to play a central role in legislative politics. While McCrory generally aligned with the Republican legislature, several high-profile bills—including those concerning Medicaid expansion and teacher tenure reforms—were vetoed and subsequently overridden. The frequency of veto overrides has dramatically increased under Democratic Governor Roy Cooper, who has faced a Republican supermajority for much of his tenure. Notable examples include the 2018 override of a budget veto and a 2019 override concerning teacher pay and corporate tax cuts. These events highlighted the sharp ideological divides between Cooper and the Republican-led legislature.
In 2023, North Carolina witnessed an unprecedented flurry of veto overrides after Republicans regained a supermajority in the General Assembly. High-profile legislation concerning abortion restrictions, voting rights, and LGBTQ+ issues became battlegrounds for partisan conflict. The legislature overrode Governor Cooper’s veto of a bill imposing a 12-week limit on most abortions, sparking widespread debate over reproductive rights. A controversial bill requiring stricter voter ID measures was also enacted through a veto override, reflecting national trends in election-related legislation. The General Assembly’s override of vetoes on bills restricting transgender healthcare and participation in sports further polarized the political climate, drawing criticism from advocacy groups and applause from conservative constituencies.
Following the 2024 election results, the North Carolina General Assembly, with a Republican majority, overrode Democratic Governor Roy Cooper's veto to enact legislation that significantly reduced the executive branch's authority. This law transferred the governor's power to appoint members of the State Board of Elections to the state auditor, a position that will be held by a Republican starting in January. Additionally, it restricted the governor's ability to fill judicial vacancies and mandated that the attorney general defend laws passed by the legislature, even if they are constitutionally questionable.
Critics argue that this move was a direct response to the election outcomes, aiming to consolidate legislative dominance and undermine the authority of incoming Democratic officials, including Governor-elect Josh Stein. They contend that such actions erode democratic norms and disrupt the balance of power within the state government. Supporters, however, assert that these measures are necessary to maintain checks and balances, especially in a polarized political environment, and to ensure that the legislature has adequate oversight over executive actions.
This development mirrors similar actions taken in 2016, when the legislature moved to curtail the powers of then-incoming Democratic Governor Roy Cooper, indicating a recurring pattern in North Carolina's political dynamics.
The frequent use of veto overrides in North Carolina has several far-reaching implications.The frequent use of veto overrides in North Carolina has several far-reaching implications. Veto overrides often reflect heightened partisan conflict, diminishing opportunities for compromise and collaboration. As political divides deepen, the legislative process becomes less about governance and more about advancing party agendas. Frequent veto overrides weaken the governor’s authority, shifting the balance of power decisively toward the legislature. This dynamic can create challenges for governors trying to enact their policy priorities. High-profile overrides on contentious issues can influence public opinion and voter engagement. For instance, battles over abortion and voting rights have mobilized both conservative and progressive activists, shaping electoral outcomes and legislative priorities. The ability to override vetoes enables legislatures to enact controversial policies that might not otherwise survive executive scrutiny. This can result in significant policy shifts, particularly on issues like education, healthcare, and electoral reforms.
North Carolina’s history of veto overrides reflects the evolving dynamics of its political system. From its early days as a mechanism for intraparty disagreement to its current role as a partisan battleground, the veto override has become a powerful tool in shaping the state’s legislative and political landscape. As recent events demonstrate, the practice is likely to remain a key feature of governance in North Carolina, with profound implications for the state’s future direction.