Democrats Break the GOP Supermajority in the Legislature–But Barely

State House Democrats gained one seat Tuesday, diminishing the Republicans’ advantage and giving Democratic Gov.-elect Josh Stein more leverage to influence legislation.

by Ren Larson
November 6, 2024

When state House Republicans redrew district lines last year, they moved Democratic Rep. Lindsey Prather from a Buncombe County district that was safely Democratic to one that leans Republican. Prather was opposed by Republican Ruth Smith, a personal injury attorney who has filed federal lawsuits challenging the city of Asheville’s affirmative action policies.

The northern Buncombe County district includes regions that were heavily pummeled by Hurricane Helene, and parts that fared better than the county overall. Prather still doesn’t have potable water at her house, and amid the most destructive storm in North Carolina’s history, she quickly pivoted from campaigning to help her residents find recovery resources, delivered in 160-character texts.

Roughly three weeks after Helene hit, Prather said the tone changed, with residents wanting not just voting information, but wanting to have wide-ranging policy discussions—about building codes, education funding for school psychologists, and how unemployment programs don’t support some small businesses and gig workers. She won with 51.4 percent of the vote.

“When you’re in a disaster, it matters who your leaders are,” Prather said.
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