Tricia Cotham: Difference between revisions

Tricia Cotham
Tricia Cotham
Member of the; North Carolina House of Representatives
	Incumbent
	Assumed office ; January 1, 2023
Preceded by	David Rogers
Constituency	112th district
	In office; March 22, 2007 – January 1, 2017
Preceded by	Jim Black
Succeeded by	John Autry
Constituency	100th district
Personal details
Born	Patricia Ann Cotham; November 26, 1978 (age 45); Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.
Political party	Democratic (before 2023); Republican (since 2023)
Spouse	Jerry Meek (m. 2008, divorced)
Children	2
Relatives	Pat Cotham (mother)
Education	University of North Carolina, Charlotte (BA); University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (MPA)

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Patricia Ann Cotham (born November 26, 1978) is an American politician, lobbyist and former schoolteacher. She is a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives from the 112th district, based in Mecklenburg County.

Cotham represented the 100th district in the North Carolina House of Representatives from 2007 to 2017 as a Democrat. She was elected as a Democrat in 2022 to represent District 112. Cotham formally changed her affiliation to the Republican Party on April 5, 2023, granting the North Carolina House Republicans a supermajority. Prior to her party switch, Cotham had campaigned on a traditional Democratic Party platform and had voted for abortion rights legislation. Shortly after her party switch, Cotham cast the deciding vote for legislation to restrict abortion access in North Carolina.

Career

In March 2007, Cotham was appointed to represent the 100th district in the North Carolina House of Representatives to replace Rep. James B. Black, who had resigned.^[1] She was elected to the House in 2008, and was re-elected in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Cotham was co-chair of the House's K-12 Education subcommittee from 2008–2010.^{[citation needed]}

Cotham is a "former CMS Teacher of the Year and assistant principal of East Mecklenburg and Independence high schools".^[2]

In 2015, Cotham gave a speech on the House floor explaining that she had had an abortion, saying, "This decision was up to me, my husband, my doctor and my God. It was not up to any of you in this chamber."^[3]

Cotham chose not to run for re-election in 2016.^[4] She later said she would consider running for the U.S. House of Representatives in the newly redrawn 12th congressional district.^[5] Cotham filed to run for the U.S. House seat on March 21, 2016, but lost the Democratic primary to incumbent Congresswoman Alma Adams.^[6]

In 2019, Cotham and three partners founded the lobbying firm BCHL.^[7]

In 2022, Cotham sought to return to the North Carolina House of Representatives. Some Republican political leaders in North Carolina encouraged her to run for office as a Democrat.^[7] This time, she ran for the House in the 112th district, defeating Republican Tony Long, 59.2%-40.8%.^[8] Cotham ran on a platform of raising the minimum wage, protecting voting rights and supporting LGBTQ rights.^[9]

In early 2023, Cotham voted to codify the abortion-related Roe v. Wade decision into state law.^[10]

On April 4, 2023, WRAL-TV reported that Cotham had changed her party registration from Democratic to Republican.^[11] On April 5, 2023, Cotham announced that she had left the Democratic Party and joined the Republican Party. Cotham's move gave House Republicans a veto-proof majority that allowed them to pass legislation without negotiating with North Carolina's Democratic governor, Roy Cooper. Cotham stated that fellow Democrats had criticized her on Twitter, called her names, and had been "coming after [her] family, coming after [her] children". She also said the turning point was a situation in which she was hounded for using the American flag on social media and on her vehicles.^[12] In another interview, she said "she felt bullied by Democrats and wanted to switch to a party that felt more welcoming".^[13]

In May 2023, Cotham voted in favor of a ban on abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy.^[14]^[10] Cotham's deciding vote^[15] enabled Republicans to override Gov. Cooper's veto and enact the legislation.^[16]^[17] North Carolina Rep. Wesley Harris accused Cotham of having lied to the voters, Alexis McGill Johnson of Planned Parenthood admonished Cotham, and former aides spoke out against her "abortion betrayal".^[18]

Personal life and family

Cotham's mother, Pat Cotham, was elected to the Democratic National Committee in 2010.^[19] As of 2023, Pat Cotham is a member of the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners, having been first elected in 2012.^[20]

Tricia Cotham was married to state Democratic Party chair Jerry Meek in late 2008.^[21] The two have since divorced.^[22]

Cotham has two sons.^[23] She is a Christian.^[24]

Electoral history

2022

North Carolina House of Representatives 112th district Democratic primary election, 2022^[25]
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Tricia Cotham	2,385	47.81%
	Democratic	Yolanda Holmes	1,559	31.25%
	Democratic	Jay Holman	853	17.10%
	Democratic	Rodney Moore	192	3.85%
Total votes			4,989	100%

North Carolina House of Representatives 112th district general election, 2022^[26]
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Tricia Cotham	15,389	59.22%
	Republican	Tony Long	10,597	40.78%
Total votes			25,986	100%
	Democratic win (new seat)

2016

North Carolina's 12th congressional district Democratic primary election, 2016^[27]
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Alma Adams (incumbent)	12,400	42.51%
	Democratic	Malcolm Graham	8,428	28.89%
	Democratic	Tricia Cotham	6,165	21.13%
	Democratic	Carla Cunningham	1,255	4.30%
	Democratic	Gardenia Henley	444	1.52%
	Democratic	Rodney Moore	245	0.84%
	Democratic	Rick Miller	235	0.81%
Total votes			29,172	100%

2014

North Carolina House of Representatives 100th district general election, 2014^[28]
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Tricia Cotham (incumbent)	12,707	100%
Total votes			12,707	100%
	Democratic hold

2012

North Carolina House of Representatives 100th district general election, 2012^[29]
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Tricia Cotham (incumbent)	24,217	100%
Total votes			24,217	100%
	Democratic hold

2010

North Carolina House of Representatives 100th district general election, 2010^[30]
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Tricia Cotham (incumbent)	9,578	100%
Total votes			9,578	100%
	Democratic hold

2008

North Carolina House of Representatives 100th district Democratic primary election, 2008^[31]
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Tricia Cotham (incumbent)	7,685	78.83%
	Democratic	Lloyd Scher	2,064	21.17%
Total votes			9,749	100%

North Carolina House of Representatives 100th district general election, 2008^[32]
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Tricia Cotham (incumbent)	19,548	74.07%
	Republican	Tom White	6,843	25.93%
Total votes			26,391	100%
	Democratic hold

References

^ "Primary in House race down to rematch". NCNewsline.com. April 28, 2008.
^ Peralta Soloff, Katie; Chemtob, Danielle (April 4, 2023). "Tricia Cotham, a Charlotte Democrat switching parties, is a former educator from a family of politicians". Axios.
^ "NC House approves three-day abortion waiting period". WRAL. April 23, 2015. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
^ Morrill, Jim (October 3, 2015). "Rep. Tricia Cotham won't run for re-election". Charlotte Observer. Archived from the original on January 12, 2019. Retrieved February 23, 2020.
^ "Malcolm Graham files paperwork in Congressional District 12 race". WSOC. March 17, 2016. Archived from the original on February 23, 2020. Retrieved February 23, 2020.
^ "NC State Board of Elections". Archived from the original on March 21, 2016.
^ ^a ^b Kelly, Kate; Perlmutt, David (July 30, 2023). "Inside the Party Switch that Blew Up North Carolina Politics". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331.
^ "North Carolina State House - District 112 Election Results | The Indianapolis Star". www.indystar.com.
^ Rosenzweig-Ziff, Dan (April 4, 2023). "N.C. lawmaker flips parties, handing state GOP a veto-proof majority". Washington Post.
^ ^a ^b Wolf, Zachary B. (May 15, 2023). "One vote to redraw the US abortion rights map". CNN.
^ Doran, Will; Specht, Paul; Leslie, Laura (April 4, 2023). "Democrat Cotham defects, giving GOP veto-proof majority in NC House". WRAL-TV. Archived from the original on April 4, 2023. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
^ Kliegman, Aaron (April 5, 2023). "North Carolina lawmaker officially leaves Dems for GOP, says turning point was American flag criticism". Fox News. Archived from the original on April 5, 2023. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
^ Corasaniti, Nick; Vigdor, Neil (April 5, 2023). "Democrat's U-Turn to Join the G.O.P. Upends North Carolina Politics". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
^ Bergeron, Josh (May 3, 2023). "Wavering Democrat sticks with party on abortion vote; Cotham votes with rest of GOP". The News & Observer. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
^ Kitchener, Caroline; Roubein, Rachel (2023). "North Carolina bans abortion past 12 weeks, overriding governor veto". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286.
^ "How one North Carolina lawmaker's defection from the Democratic Party upended abortion protections". AP NEWS. May 19, 2023.
^ "With abortion vote, did Tricia Cotham flip-flop on protecting reproductive rights?". WRAL.com. May 17, 2023.
^ ""Shame": Protests and outrage as former Democrat paves the way for North Carolina abortion ban". Salon. May 17, 2023.
^ Stancill, Jane (August 2, 2010). "Cotham wins spot on Democratic National Committee". News & Observer. Archived from the original on April 1, 2012.
^ "Pat Cotham, At Large". BOCC.MeckNC.gov. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
^ "Democratic party head in N.C. will step down". November 21, 2008. Retrieved May 24, 2023.
^ "Republicans gain veto-proof control in North Carolina after Democrat switches parties". CBS News. April 5, 2023. Archived from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
^ "NC House member from Mecklenburg gives birth to 2nd child". WSOC TV. September 30, 2013.
^ Creitz, Charles (April 5, 2023). "Charlotte Democrat switched parties after being called 'ammosexual,' critiqued for invoking Jesus Christ". WDBD FOX 40. Archived from the original on April 5, 2023. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
^ 2022 North Carolina House Primary Election Results Archived 2022-09-20 at the Wayback Machine North Carolina State Board of Elections.
^ 2022 North Carolina House General Election Results North Carolina State Board of Elections.
^ 2016 U.S. House Primary Election Results Archived 2022-10-05 at the Wayback Machine North Carolina State Board of Elections.
^ 2014 North Carolina House General Election Results Archived 2022-10-06 at the Wayback Machine North Carolina State Board of Elections.
^ 2012 North Carolina House General Election Results Archived 2022-10-05 at the Wayback Machine North Carolina State Board of Elections.
^ 2010 North Carolina House General Election Results Archived 2022-10-01 at the Wayback Machine North Carolina State Board of Elections.
^ 2008 North Carolina House Primary Election Results Archived 2022-10-06 at the Wayback Machine North Carolina State Board of Elections.
^ 2008 North Carolina House General Election Results Archived 2023-04-05 at the Wayback Machine North Carolina State Board of Elections.

External links

North Carolina House of Representatives
Preceded by Jim Black	Member of the North Carolina House of Representatives from the 100th district 2007–2017	Succeeded by John Autry
Preceded by David Rogers	Member of the North Carolina House of Representatives from the 112th district 2023–present	Incumbent

[1] "Primary in House race down to rematch". NCNewsline.com. April 28, 2008.

[2] Peralta Soloff, Katie; Chemtob, Danielle (April 4, 2023). "Tricia Cotham, a Charlotte Democrat switching parties, is a former educator from a family of politicians". Axios.

[3] "NC House approves three-day abortion waiting period". WRAL. April 23, 2015. Retrieved May 4, 2023.

[4] Morrill, Jim (October 3, 2015). "Rep. Tricia Cotham won't run for re-election". Charlotte Observer. Archived from the original on January 12, 2019. Retrieved February 23, 2020.

[5] "Malcolm Graham files paperwork in Congressional District 12 race". WSOC. March 17, 2016. Archived from the original on February 23, 2020. Retrieved February 23, 2020.

[6] "NC State Board of Elections". Archived from the original on March 21, 2016.

[:1-7] Kelly, Kate; Perlmutt, David (July 30, 2023). "Inside the Party Switch that Blew Up North Carolina Politics". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331.

[8] "North Carolina State House - District 112 Election Results | The Indianapolis Star". www.indystar.com.

[9] Rosenzweig-Ziff, Dan (April 4, 2023). "N.C. lawmaker flips parties, handing state GOP a veto-proof majority". Washington Post.

[:0-10] Wolf, Zachary B. (May 15, 2023). "One vote to redraw the US abortion rights map". CNN.

[11] Doran, Will; Specht, Paul; Leslie, Laura (April 4, 2023). "Democrat Cotham defects, giving GOP veto-proof majority in NC House". WRAL-TV. Archived from the original on April 4, 2023. Retrieved April 4, 2023.

[12] Kliegman, Aaron (April 5, 2023). "North Carolina lawmaker officially leaves Dems for GOP, says turning point was American flag criticism". Fox News. Archived from the original on April 5, 2023. Retrieved April 5, 2023.

[13] Corasaniti, Nick; Vigdor, Neil (April 5, 2023). "Democrat's U-Turn to Join the G.O.P. Upends North Carolina Politics". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved April 6, 2023.

[14] Bergeron, Josh (May 3, 2023). "Wavering Democrat sticks with party on abortion vote; Cotham votes with rest of GOP". The News & Observer. Retrieved May 15, 2023.

[15] Kitchener, Caroline; Roubein, Rachel (2023). "North Carolina bans abortion past 12 weeks, overriding governor veto". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286.

[16] "How one North Carolina lawmaker's defection from the Democratic Party upended abortion protections". AP NEWS. May 19, 2023.

[17] "With abortion vote, did Tricia Cotham flip-flop on protecting reproductive rights?". WRAL.com. May 17, 2023.

[18] ""Shame": Protests and outrage as former Democrat paves the way for North Carolina abortion ban". Salon. May 17, 2023.

[19] Stancill, Jane (August 2, 2010). "Cotham wins spot on Democratic National Committee". News & Observer. Archived from the original on April 1, 2012.

[20] "Pat Cotham, At Large". BOCC.MeckNC.gov. Retrieved June 16, 2023.

[21] "Democratic party head in N.C. will step down". November 21, 2008. Retrieved May 24, 2023.

[22] "Republicans gain veto-proof control in North Carolina after Democrat switches parties". CBS News. April 5, 2023. Archived from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved April 6, 2023.

[23] "NC House member from Mecklenburg gives birth to 2nd child". WSOC TV. September 30, 2013.

[24] Creitz, Charles (April 5, 2023). "Charlotte Democrat switched parties after being called 'ammosexual,' critiqued for invoking Jesus Christ". WDBD FOX 40. Archived from the original on April 5, 2023. Retrieved April 5, 2023.

[25] 2022 North Carolina House Primary Election Results Archived 2022-09-20 at the Wayback Machine North Carolina State Board of Elections.

[26] 2022 North Carolina House General Election Results North Carolina State Board of Elections.

[27] 2016 U.S. House Primary Election Results Archived 2022-10-05 at the Wayback Machine North Carolina State Board of Elections.

[28] 2014 North Carolina House General Election Results Archived 2022-10-06 at the Wayback Machine North Carolina State Board of Elections.

[29] 2012 North Carolina House General Election Results Archived 2022-10-05 at the Wayback Machine North Carolina State Board of Elections.

[30] 2010 North Carolina House General Election Results Archived 2022-10-01 at the Wayback Machine North Carolina State Board of Elections.

[31] 2008 North Carolina House Primary Election Results Archived 2022-10-06 at the Wayback Machine North Carolina State Board of Elections.

[32] 2008 North Carolina House General Election Results Archived 2023-04-05 at the Wayback Machine North Carolina State Board of Elections.

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@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 {{use mdy dates |date=May 2023}}
 {{Infobox officeholder
-|name                = Tricia Cotham
+| name                = Tricia Cotham
-|image               = Representative Tricia Ann Cotham.jpg
+| image               = Representative Tricia Ann Cotham.jpg
-|state_house         = North Carolina
+| office              = Member of the<br>[[North Carolina House of Representatives]]
-|district            = [[North Carolina's 112th House district|112th]]
+| constituency        = [[North Carolina's 112th House district|112th district]]
-|term_start          = January 1, 2023
+| term_start          = January 1, 2023
-|term_end            =
+| term_end            =
-|predecessor         = [[David Rogers (North Carolina politician)|David Rogers]]
+| predecessor         = [[David Rogers (North Carolina politician)|David Rogers]]
-|successor           =
+| term_start1         = March 22, 2007
-|state_house1        = North Carolina
+| term_end1           = January 1, 2017
-|district1           = [[North Carolina's 100th House district|100th]]
+| predecessor1        = [[James B. Black|Jim Black]]
-|term_start1         = March 22, 2007
+| successor1          = [[John Autry (politician)|John Autry]]
+| constituency1       = [[North Carolina's 100th House district|100th district]]
-|term_end1           = January 1, 2017
+| birth_name          = Patricia Ann Cotham
-|predecessor1        = [[James B. Black|Jim Black]]
+| birth_date          = {{birth date and age|1978|11|26}}
-|successor1          = [[John Autry (politician)|John Autry]]
-|birth_name          = Patricia Ann Cotham
+| birth_place         = [[Charlotte, North Carolina]], U.S.
-|birth_date          = {{birth date and age|1978|11|26}}
+| death_date          =
-|birth_place         = [[Charlotte, North Carolina]], U.S.
+| death_place         =
+| party               = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] (before 2023)<br>[[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] (since 2023)
-|death_date          =
+| spouse              = {{marriage|[[Jerry Meek]]|2008||end=divorced}}
-|death_place         =
+| children            = 2
-|party               = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] (before 2023)<br>[[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] (since 2023)
-|spouse              = {{marriage|[[Jerry Meek]]|2008||end=divorced}}
+| relatives           = [[Pat Cotham]] (mother)
+| education           = [[University of North Carolina, Charlotte]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])<br>[[University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill]] ([[Master of Public Administration|MPA]])
-|children            = 2
-|relatives           = [[Pat Cotham]] (mother)
-|education           = [[University of North Carolina, Charlotte]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])<br>[[University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill]] ([[Master of Public Administration|MPA]])
 }}
-'''Patricia Ann Cotham''' (born November 26, 1978) is an American politician and a former schoolteacher. She is a member of the [[North Carolina House of Representatives]] from the [[North Carolina's 112th House district|112th district]], based in [[Mecklenburg County, NC|Mecklenburg County]]. A member of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] when she was elected in 2022, Cotham formally switched to the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]] on April 5, 2023.
+'''Patricia Ann Cotham''' (born November 26, 1978) is an American politician, lobbyist and former schoolteacher. She is a member of the [[North Carolina House of Representatives]] from the [[North Carolina's 112th House district|112th district]], based in [[Mecklenburg County, NC|Mecklenburg County]].
+Cotham represented the 100th district in the North Carolina House of Representatives from 2007 to 2017 as a [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]]. She was elected as a Democrat in 2022 to represent District 112. Cotham formally changed her affiliation to the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]] on April 5, 2023, granting the North Carolina House Republicans a [[supermajority]]. Prior to her party switch, Cotham had campaigned on a traditional Democratic Party platform and had voted for abortion rights legislation. Shortly after her party switch, Cotham cast the deciding vote for legislation to restrict abortion access in North Carolina.
-Prior to her party switch, she ran on a traditional Democratic Party platform. She had voted for abortion rights legislation and spoke of her own experience having an abortion. Shortly after her party switch, she was the deciding vote for legislation to restrict abortion access in North Carolina.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kitchener |first=Caroline |last2=Roubein |first2=Rachel |date=2023 |title=North Carolina bans abortion past 12 weeks, overriding governor veto |language=en-US |work=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/05/16/north-carolina-senate-overrides-governors-veto-abortion-ban/ |issn=0190-8286}}</ref>
 == Career ==
-In March 2007, Cotham was appointed to represent the 100th district in the North Carolina House of Representatives to replace Rep. [[James B. Black]], who had resigned.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ncnewsline.com/2008/04/28/primary-in-house-race-down-to-rematch/|title=Primary in House race down to rematch|website=NCNewsline.com|date=April 28, 2008}}</ref> She was elected to the House in 2008, and was re-elected in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Cotham was co-chair of the House's K-12 Education subcommittee from 2008–2010.{{cn|date=May 2023}}
+In March 2007, Cotham was appointed to represent the 100th district in the North Carolina House of Representatives to replace Rep. [[James B. Black]], who had resigned.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ncnewsline.com/2008/04/28/primary-in-house-race-down-to-rematch/|title=Primary in House race down to rematch|website=NCNewsline.com|date=April 28, 2008}}</ref> She was elected to the House in 2008, and was re-elected in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Cotham was co-chair of the House's K-12 Education subcommittee from 2008–2010.{{citation needed|date=May 2023}}
 Cotham is a "former CMS Teacher of the Year and assistant principal of East Mecklenburg and Independence high schools".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://charlotte.axios.com/325615/tricia-cotham-a-charlotte-democrat-switching-parties-is-a-former-educator-from-a-family-of-politicians/|title=Tricia Cotham, a Charlotte Democrat switching parties, is a former educator from a family of politicians |website=Axios |last1=Peralta Soloff |first1=Katie |last2=Chemtob |first2=Danielle |date=April 4, 2023}}</ref>
@@ Line 40: / Line 38: @@
 Cotham chose not to run for re-election in 2016.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Morrill |first1=Jim |title=Rep. Tricia Cotham won't run for re-election |url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article47756880.html |accessdate=23 February 2020 |work=Charlotte Observer |date=3 October 2015 |archive-date=12 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112062150/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article47756880.html |url-status=live }}</ref> She later said she would consider running for the U.S. House of Representatives in the newly redrawn 12th congressional district.<ref>{{cite news |title=Malcolm Graham files paperwork in Congressional District 12 race |url=https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/former-sen-graham-files-paperwork-in-congressional-district-12-race/166323175/ |accessdate=23 February 2020 |work=WSOC |date=17 March 2016 |archive-date=23 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223200536/https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/former-sen-graham-files-paperwork-in-congressional-district-12-race/166323175/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Cotham filed to run for the U.S. House seat on March 21, 2016, but lost the Democratic primary to incumbent Congresswoman [[Alma Adams]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ncsbe.gov/list-of-candidates|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321202239/http://www.ncsbe.gov/list-of-candidates|url-status=dead|title=NC State Board of Elections|archivedate=March 21, 2016}}</ref>
+In 2019, Cotham and three partners founded the lobbying firm BCHL.<ref name=":1" />
-In 2022, Cotham sought to return to the North Carolina House of Representatives. This time, she ran for the House in the 112th district, defeating Republican Tony Long, 59.2%-40.8%.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indystar.com/elections/results/race/2022-11-08-state_house-NC-35771/|title=North Carolina State House - District 112 Election Results &#124; The Indianapolis Star|website=www.indystar.com}}</ref> Cotham ran on a platform of raising the minimum wage, protecting voting rights and supporting [[LGBT|LGBTQ]] rights.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/04/04/north-carolina-tricia-cotham/|website=Washington Post|date=April 4, 2023 |last=Rosenzweig-Ziff |first=Dan|title=N.C. lawmaker flips parties, handing state GOP a veto-proof majority}}</ref>
+In 2022, Cotham sought to return to the North Carolina House of Representatives. Some Republican political leaders in North Carolina encouraged her to run for office as a Democrat.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Kelly |first=Kate |last2=Perlmutt |first2=David |date=2023-07-30 |title=Inside the Party Switch that Blew Up North Carolina Politics |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/30/us/inside-the-party-switch-that-blew-up-north-carolina-politics.html |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> This time, she ran for the House in the 112th district, defeating Republican Tony Long, 59.2%-40.8%.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indystar.com/elections/results/race/2022-11-08-state_house-NC-35771/|title=North Carolina State House - District 112 Election Results &#124; The Indianapolis Star|website=www.indystar.com}}</ref> Cotham ran on a platform of raising the minimum wage, protecting voting rights and supporting [[LGBT|LGBTQ]] rights.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/04/04/north-carolina-tricia-cotham/|website=Washington Post|date=April 4, 2023 |last=Rosenzweig-Ziff |first=Dan|title=N.C. lawmaker flips parties, handing state GOP a veto-proof majority}}</ref>
-In early 2023, Cotham voted to codify the abortion-related [[Roe v. Wade|''Roe v. Wade'']] decision into state law.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Wolf |first=Zachary B. |date=2023 |title=One vote to redraw the US abortion rights map |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/15/politics/abortion-north-carolina-what-matters/index.html |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>
+In early 2023, Cotham voted to codify the abortion-related ''[[Roe v. Wade]]'' decision into state law.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Wolf |first=Zachary B. |date=May 15, 2023 |title=One vote to redraw the US abortion rights map |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/15/politics/abortion-north-carolina-what-matters/index.html |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>
-On April 4, 2023, [[WRAL-TV]] reported that Cotham had changed her party registration from Democrat to Republican.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wral.com/story/democrat-cotham-defects-giving-gop-veto-proof-majority-in-nc-house/20796429 |title=Democrat Cotham defects, giving GOP veto-proof majority in NC House |date=April 4, 2023 |work=[[WRAL-TV]] |first1=Will |last1=Doran |first2=Paul |last2=Specht |first3=Laura |last3=Leslie |access-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404214717/https://www.wral.com/story/democrat-cotham-defects-giving-gop-veto-proof-majority-in-nc-house/20796429 |url-status=live }}</ref> On April 5, 2023, Cotham announced that she had left the Democratic Party and joined the Republican Party. Cotham's move gave House Republicans a veto-proof majority that allowed them to pass legislation without negotiating with North Carolina's Democratic governor, [[Roy Cooper]]. Cotham stated that fellow Democrats had criticized her on Twitter, called her names, and had been "coming after [her] family, coming after [her] children". She also said the turning point was a situation in which she was hounded for using the American flag on [[social media]] and on her vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/north-carolina-lawmaker-officially-leaves-dems-gop-says-turning-point-american-flag-criticism|title=North Carolina lawmaker officially leaves Dems for GOP, says turning point was American flag criticism|first=Aaron|last=Kliegman|date=April 5, 2023|website=Fox News|access-date=April 5, 2023|archive-date=April 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405163745/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/north-carolina-lawmaker-officially-leaves-dems-gop-says-turning-point-american-flag-criticism|url-status=live}}</ref> In another interview, she said "she felt bullied by Democrats and wanted to switch to a party that felt more welcoming".<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Corasaniti |first1=Nick |last2=Vigdor |first2=Neil |date=2023-04-05 |title=Democrat's U-Turn to Join the G.O.P. Upends North Carolina Politics |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/05/us/politics/tricia-cotham-north-carolina.html |access-date=2023-04-06 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=2023-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406005535/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/05/us/politics/tricia-cotham-north-carolina.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
+On April 4, 2023, [[WRAL-TV]] reported that Cotham had changed her party registration from Democratic to Republican.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wral.com/story/democrat-cotham-defects-giving-gop-veto-proof-majority-in-nc-house/20796429 |title=Democrat Cotham defects, giving GOP veto-proof majority in NC House |date=April 4, 2023 |work=[[WRAL-TV]] |first1=Will |last1=Doran |first2=Paul |last2=Specht |first3=Laura |last3=Leslie |access-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404214717/https://www.wral.com/story/democrat-cotham-defects-giving-gop-veto-proof-majority-in-nc-house/20796429 |url-status=live }}</ref> On April 5, 2023, Cotham announced that she had left the Democratic Party and joined the Republican Party. Cotham's move gave House Republicans a veto-proof majority that allowed them to pass legislation without negotiating with North Carolina's Democratic governor, [[Roy Cooper]]. Cotham stated that fellow Democrats had criticized her on Twitter, called her names, and had been "coming after [her] family, coming after [her] children". She also said the turning point was a situation in which she was hounded for using the American flag on [[social media]] and on her vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/north-carolina-lawmaker-officially-leaves-dems-gop-says-turning-point-american-flag-criticism|title=North Carolina lawmaker officially leaves Dems for GOP, says turning point was American flag criticism|first=Aaron|last=Kliegman|date=April 5, 2023|website=Fox News|access-date=April 5, 2023|archive-date=April 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405163745/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/north-carolina-lawmaker-officially-leaves-dems-gop-says-turning-point-american-flag-criticism|url-status=live}}</ref> In another interview, she said "she felt bullied by Democrats and wanted to switch to a party that felt more welcoming".<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Corasaniti |first1=Nick |last2=Vigdor |first2=Neil |date=2023-04-05 |title=Democrat's U-Turn to Join the G.O.P. Upends North Carolina Politics |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/05/us/politics/tricia-cotham-north-carolina.html |access-date=2023-04-06 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=2023-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406005535/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/05/us/politics/tricia-cotham-north-carolina.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
-In May 2023, Cotham voted in favor of a ban on abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 3, 2023 |title=Wavering Democrat sticks with party on abortion vote; Cotham votes with rest of GOP |work=The News & Observer |url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article273995325.html |first=Josh |last=Bergeron |access-date=15 May 2023 }}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Cotham's vote enabled Republicans to override Gov. Cooper's veto and enact the legislation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/abortion-north-carolina-veto-override-tricia-cotham-a91342de76cd8463a637f634b4dbcf36|title=How one North Carolina lawmaker's defection from the Democratic Party upended abortion protections|date=May 19, 2023|website=AP NEWS}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wral.com/story/with-abortion-vote-did-tricia-cotham-flip-flop-on-protecting-reproductive-rights/20866211/|title=With abortion vote, did Tricia Cotham flip-flop on protecting reproductive rights?|date=May 17, 2023|website=WRAL.com}}</ref> North Carolina Rep. [[Wesley Harris]] accused Cotham of having lied to the voters, Alexis McGill Johnson of Planned Parenthood admonished Cotham, and former aides spoke out against her "'abortion betrayal'".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.salon.com/2023/05/17/shame-and-outrage-as-former-democrat-paves-the-way-for-north-carolina-abortion-ban/|title="Shame": Protests and outrage as former Democrat paves the way for North Carolina abortion ban|date=May 17, 2023|website=Salon}}</ref>
+In May 2023, Cotham voted in favor of a ban on abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 3, 2023 |title=Wavering Democrat sticks with party on abortion vote; Cotham votes with rest of GOP |work=The News & Observer |url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article273995325.html |first=Josh |last=Bergeron |access-date=15 May 2023 }}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Cotham's deciding vote<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kitchener |first=Caroline |last2=Roubein |first2=Rachel |date=2023 |title=North Carolina bans abortion past 12 weeks, overriding governor veto |language=en-US |work=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/05/16/north-carolina-senate-overrides-governors-veto-abortion-ban/ |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> enabled Republicans to override Gov. Cooper's veto and enact the legislation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/abortion-north-carolina-veto-override-tricia-cotham-a91342de76cd8463a637f634b4dbcf36|title=How one North Carolina lawmaker's defection from the Democratic Party upended abortion protections|date=May 19, 2023|website=AP NEWS}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wral.com/story/with-abortion-vote-did-tricia-cotham-flip-flop-on-protecting-reproductive-rights/20866211/|title=With abortion vote, did Tricia Cotham flip-flop on protecting reproductive rights?|date=May 17, 2023|website=WRAL.com}}</ref> North Carolina Rep. [[Wesley Harris]] accused Cotham of having lied to the voters, Alexis McGill Johnson of Planned Parenthood admonished Cotham, and former aides spoke out against her "abortion betrayal".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.salon.com/2023/05/17/shame-and-outrage-as-former-democrat-paves-the-way-for-north-carolina-abortion-ban/|title="Shame": Protests and outrage as former Democrat paves the way for North Carolina abortion ban|date=May 17, 2023|website=Salon}}</ref>
 ==Personal life and family==
@@ Line 53: / Line 53: @@
 Tricia Cotham was married to state Democratic Party chair [[Jerry Meek]] in late 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://journalnow.com/democratic-party-head-in-n-c-will-step-down/article_ec185f04-a503-5f17-9b69-c3ac202186d0.html |title=Democratic party head in N.C. will step down |date=2008-11-21 |access-date=2023-05-24 }}</ref> The two have since divorced.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/party-switch-gop-veto-proof-control-north-carolina/ |date=April 5, 2023 |title=Republicans gain veto-proof control in North Carolina after Democrat switches parties |website=CBS News |access-date=2023-04-06|archive-date=2023-04-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406061225/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/party-switch-gop-veto-proof-control-north-carolina/|url-status=live}}</ref>
+Cotham has two sons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/nc-house-member-mecklenburg-gives-birth-2nd-child/223457917/|title=NC House member from Mecklenburg gives birth to 2nd child|date=September 30, 2013|website=WSOC TV}}</ref> She is a Christian.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fox40jackson.com/headlines/charlotte-democrat-switched-parties-after-being-called-ammosexual-critiqued-for-invoking-jesus-christ/|title=Charlotte Democrat switched parties after being called 'ammosexual,' critiqued for invoking Jesus Christ |work=WDBD FOX 40 |first=Charles |last=Creitz |date=April 5, 2023 |access-date=April 5, 2023|archive-date=April 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405235507/https://fox40jackson.com/headlines/charlotte-democrat-switched-parties-after-being-called-ammosexual-critiqued-for-invoking-jesus-christ/|url-status=live}}</ref>
-Cotham has two sons.<ref>https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/nc-house-member-mecklenburg-gives-birth-2nd-child/223457917/</ref> Cotham lives in [[Charlotte, North Carolina]].
-Cotham identifies herself as a Christian.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fox40jackson.com/headlines/charlotte-democrat-switched-parties-after-being-called-ammosexual-critiqued-for-invoking-jesus-christ/|title=Charlotte Democrat switched parties after being called 'ammosexual,' critiqued for invoking Jesus Christ |work=WDBD FOX 40 |first=Charles |last=Creitz |date=April 5, 2023 |access-date=April 5, 2023|archive-date=April 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405235507/https://fox40jackson.com/headlines/charlotte-democrat-switched-parties-after-being-called-ammosexual-critiqued-for-invoking-jesus-christ/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 ==Electoral history==
@@ Line 90: / Line 88: @@
 }}
 {{Election box end}}{{Election box begin no change|title=North Carolina House of Representatives 112th district general election, 2022<ref>[https://er.ncsbe.gov/?election_dt=11/08/2022&county_id=0&office=NCH&contest=1273 2022 North Carolina House General Election Results] ''North Carolina State Board of Elections''.</ref>}}
-{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=[[Tricia Cotham]]|votes=15,389|percentage=59.22%}}
+{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=Tricia Cotham|votes=15,389|percentage=59.22%}}
 {{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Tony Long|votes=10,597|percentage=40.78%}}
 {{Election box total no change|votes=25,986|percentage=100%}}
@@ Line 249: / Line 247: @@
 ==External links==
+{{commons category}}
-{{commonscat}}
 *[http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/members/viewMember.pl?sChamber=House&nUserID=576 Official legislative page]
 *[https://twitter.com/triciacotham Twitter]
@@ Line 269: / Line 267: @@
 {{DEFAULTSORT:Cotham, Tricia}}
 [[Category:1978 births]]
-[[Category:21st-century American politicians]]
+[[Category:21st-century American legislators]]
 [[Category:21st-century American women politicians]]
 [[Category:Christians from North Carolina]]
@@ Line 280: / Line 278: @@
 [[Category:Women state legislators in North Carolina]]
 [[Category:University of North Carolina at Charlotte alumni]]
+[[Category:21st-century North Carolina politicians]]

v t e Members of the North Carolina House of Representatives
156th General Assembly (2023–2024) Speaker of the House Tim Moore (R) Speaker pro tempore Sarah Stevens (R) Majority Leader John Bell (R) Minority Leader Robert Reives (D)
▌Ed Goodwin (R) ▌Ray Jeffers (D) ▌Steve Tyson (R) ▌Jimmy Dixon (R) ▌Bill Ward (R) ▌Joe Pike (R) ▌Matthew Winslow (R) ▌Gloristine Brown (D) ▌Timothy Reeder (R) ▌John Bell (R) ▌Allison Dahle (D) ▌Chris Humphrey (R) ▌Celeste Cairns (R) ▌George Cleveland (R) ▌Phil Shepard (R) ▌Carson Smith (R) ▌Frank Iler (R) ▌Deb Butler (D) ▌Charlie Miller (R) ▌Ted Davis Jr. (R) ▌Ya Liu (D) ▌William Brisson (R) ▌Shelly Willingham (D) ▌Ken Fontenot (R) ▌Allen Chesser (R) ▌Donna McDowell White (R) ▌Michael Wray (D) ▌Larry Strickland (R) ▌Vernetta Alston (D) ▌Marcia Morey (D) ▌Zack Forde-Hawkins (D) ▌Frank Sossamon (R) ▌Rosa Gill (D) ▌Tim Longest (D) ▌Terence Everitt (D) ▌Julie von Haefen (D) ▌Erin Paré (R) ▌Abe Jones (D) ▌James Roberson (D) ▌Joe John (D) ▌Maria Cervania (D) ▌Marvin Lucas (D) ▌Diane Wheatley (R) ▌Charles Smith (D) ▌Frances Jackson (D) ▌Brenden Jones (R) ▌Jarrod Lowery (R) ▌Garland Pierce (D) ▌Cynthia Ball (D) ▌Renee Price (D) ▌John Sauls (R) ▌Ben Moss (R) ▌Howard Penny Jr. (R) ▌Robert Reives (D) ▌Mark Brody (R) ▌Allen Buansi (D) ▌Tracy Clark (D) ▌Amos Quick (D) ▌Alan Branson (R) ▌Cecil Brockman (D) ▌Pricey Harrison (D) ▌John Blust (R) ▌Stephen Ross (R) ▌Dennis Riddell (R) ▌Reece Pyrtle (R) ▌Sarah Crawford (D) ▌Wayne Sasser (R) ▌David Willis (R) ▌Dean Arp (R) ▌Brian Biggs (R) ▌Kanika Brown (D) ▌Amber Baker (D) ▌Diamond Staton-Williams (D) ▌Jeff Zenger (R) ▌Donny Lambeth (R) ▌Harry Warren (R) ▌Julia Craven Howard (R) ▌Neal Jackson (R) ▌Keith Kidwell (R) ▌Sam Watford (R) ▌Larry Potts (R) ▌Kristin Baker (R) ▌Kevin Crutchfield (R) ▌Jeffrey McNeely (R) ▌Dudley Greene (R) ▌Hugh Blackwell (R) ▌Destin Hall (R) ▌Mary Belk (D) ▌Mitchell Setzer (R) ▌Sarah Stevens (R) ▌Kyle Hall (R) ▌Terry Brown (D) ▌Ray Pickett (R) ▌Blair Eddins (R) ▌Grey Mills (R) ▌Jay Adams (R) ▌Heather Rhyne (R) ▌John Bradford (R) ▌Nasif Majeed (D) ▌John Autry (D) ▌Carolyn Logan (D) ▌Becky Carney (D) ▌Laura Budd (D) ▌Brandon Lofton (D) ▌Wesley Harris (D) ▌Carla Cunningham (D) ▌Bobby Drakeford (D) ▌John Torbett (R) ▌Donnie Loftis (R) ▌Kelly Hastings (R) ▌Tim Moore (R) ▌Tricia Cotham (R) ▌Jake Johnson (R) ▌Eric Ager (D) ▌Lindsey Prather (D) ▌Caleb Rudow (D) ▌Jennifer Balkcom (R) ▌Mark Pless (R) ▌Mike Clampitt (R) ▌Karl Gillespie (R)
▌Republican (72) ▌Democratic (48) North Carolina General Assembly North Carolina House of Representatives North Carolina Senate