NCGOP Statement on Congressman Patrick McHenry Not Seeking Reelection

December 5, 2023
For Immediate Release

NCGOP Statement on Democrats' Latest 'Sue til Blue' Court Filing

December 5, 2023
For Immediate Release

Democrat activists are once again abusing our courts to disrupt elections they cannot win at the ballot box. Waiting until after the candidate filing period has already opened, Democrats have launched an empty 'Sue til Blue' lawsuit seeking to once again disrupt our Congressional elections at the expense of the voters of North Carolina.

Under Republican leadership, state lawmakers conducted a redistricting process producing maps as dictated by the Constitution and previous court orders. Instead of making their case to the voters of North Carolina to win elections, like Republicans did when they won despite Democrats drawing district lines for decades, the plaintiffs elect to introduce chaos in hopes of achieving unearned political gains.

"Time and again, Democrats have demonstrated their desperation by suing for political relief," said Michael Whatley, Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party. "After years of Democrats' 'Sue til Blue' antics, the People of North Carolina deserve certainty in their elections and we look forward to the court rejecting this political Hail Mary."

Democrat NC Sen. Lisa Grafstein Disqualifies Herself with Move Out of District, Should Resign

NCGOP, RNC Intervene in NC Election Integrity Lawsuit

October 27, 2023

For Immediate Release

The Republican Party of North Carolina, along with the Republican National Committee (RNC), filed in court Thursday to intervene in Democrats' baseless 'Sue til Blue' attack on Senate Bill 747 and to defend election integrity in North Carolina. After years of deteriorating voter confidence, bolstering election integrity is more important than ever. Unfortunately, Joe Biden's Department of Justice is attacking popular election security laws around the country, further hindering Americans' faith in free and fair elections.

"Only Democrats would oppose legislation that prevents non-citizens from voting, protects bipartisan poll watchers, and eliminates dark money in elections—all measures that are strongly supported by the People of North Carolina," said NCGOP Chairman and General Counsel for the RNC Michael Whatley. "We are proud to stand with North Carolinians in court by intervening in this case and ensuring our elections are secure."

The target of Democrats' attack is smart legislation made up of common-sense election safeguards that enjoy wide support among North Carolinians.

Senate Bill 747:

NCGOP Applauds Veto Overrides Enacting Common-Sense Election Changes Into Law

October 10, 2023

For Immediate Release

The North Carolina Republican Party applauds the N.C. General Assembly for successfully overriding Governor Roy Cooper's vetoes of common-sense legislation to increase confidence and integrity in our elections. These bills (Senate Bill 747, Senate Bill 749) becoming law, despite the objections of the governor, is a win for the People of North Carolina.

NCGOP has long fought to increase transparency and security in our elections by empowering citizen poll observers, banning the private special-interest financing of elections administration, and setting appropriate election day deadlines for absentee ballots. The enactment of Senate Bill 747 into law achieves these goals and serves to restore trust that our elections are free and fair.

Similarly, overriding Governor Cooper's veto of Senate Bill 749, No Partisan Advantage in Elections, by the N.C. General Assembly, further increases confidence that our elections will not be administered and adjudicated by hand-picked partisan boards whose allegiance to political party corrupts the fairness of elections administration in North Carolina. By establishing truly bipartisan boards of elections, and requiring strong majority votes to approve motions, North Carolinians can be assured that no one political party has an undue advantage when election disputes occur.

"North Carolina has reason to celebrate these common sense reforms, which will make the N.C. Board of Elections a non-partisan entity and add important election integrity safeguards," said NCGOP Chairman Michael Whatley. "We applaud the N.C. General Assembly for their efforts to make it easy to vote and hard to cheat in the Old North State."

These veto overrides serve to not only bolster faith in our elections, but also to remind us of just how hard Democrats have fought to handicap election integrity at the expense of North Carolina voters. Republicans remain committed and vigilant in restoring trust in the quintessentially American elections process.

Republican Tax-cutting, Pro-Freedom Budget is a Win for NC Families

September 22, 2023

For Immediate Release

The Republican Party of North Carolina applauds the passage of a state budget that continues to put NC families first. Our Republican legislative leaders have put together a budget centered on tax cuts for families and businesses, historic investments in school choice, raises for teachers, infrastructure investments and pro-business reforms that all empower North Carolinians to grow and thrive.

“This budget is a victory for families and businesses all across North Carolina,” said NCGOP Chairman Michael Whatley. “It cuts their taxes, leaving more money in their pockets, and expands educational freedom for families to seize the best opportunity for their children. When you talk about making North Carolina the best place in the country to work, run a business, and raise a family - Republicans keep delivering."

This budget is a testament to the hard work of the Republican leaders in the General Assembly to spend taxpayers' money conservatively, while making it easier for businesses to prosper, kids to learn, and families to thrive. 

It is no accident that North Carolina enjoys top scores from credit rating agencies and is repeatedly lauded as a top state for business and quality of life. Further lightening the burden on hardworking taxpayers while expanding freedom and maintaining a rock solid fiscal condition is critical to the continued growth of our state and will elevate North Carolina as a national leader.

August 13, 2023

For Immediate Release

The Republican Party of North Carolina commends the N.C. State Board of Elections for acknowledging the errors regarding consideration of an overly broad exception to Voter ID requirements to be listed on voter forms, and ultimately striking down such an exception upon justified complaints from NCGOP attorneys and other stakeholders focused on election integrity.

Without the consent of our citizens nor our legislature, the partisan State Board of Elections was seeking to permit individuals to vote without a photo ID, if those voters merely claim they “did not know photo ID was required for voting.” Through the deliberative legislative process, Republicans have always recognized and made earnest attempts to address reasonable exceptions to, or provide alternatives to establish voter identification. However, creating an exception that contradicts the basic principle of the law is not only improper, it is an insult to all citizens of this state and violates a long respected precept concerning the Rule of Law — ‘Ignorance of the Law is No Excuse.’

North Carolinians know inherently that even professing ignorance of the speed limit isn't good enough to get out of a speeding ticket. It becomes even more important when it comes to establishing trust and integrity in our elections.

On behalf of voters across North Carolina, NCGOP attorneys called upon the N.C. State Board of Elections to remove this offensive exception from the Reasonable Impediment Form, in order to preserve the integrity of our elections and democracy in this State. The inclusion of this exception in upcoming elections would have circumvented the entire purpose of not only Voter ID, but also violated basic fundamentals of American Law.

"Voter ID has been put before North Carolina voters, who have supported this simple election integrity measure in resounding fashion time and again," stated NCGOP Chairman Michael Whatley. "This 'Ignorance of the Law' proposal never passed the smell test, and it's alarming that Democrats are still seeking to undermine the will of the people and election integrity when it comes to Voter ID."

"The NCGOP will continue to fight to make it easy to vote and hard to cheat and to make sure the voters of this state get the election integrity they deserve," Whatley added.

After a decade of obstruction and smear campaigns by Democrats, North Carolina joins dozens of other states in requiring voters to show a photo ID before casting a ballot. There are many acceptable forms of ID and voter ID cards are offered free at your county board of elections office. Get more information about voter ID requirements at NCSBE.GOV.

May 16, 2023

For Immediate Release

We congratulate the Republican super-majority for voting to override Governor Cooper's veto and we welcome the enactment of this reasonable legislation to protect life after the first trimester in North Carolina.

Governor Cooper and the Democrats have proven themselves completely out of step with the values of the vast majority of North Carolinians on this issue. In defense of their radical position on abortion, Democrats resorted to openly bullying those who disagree with them and Republican lawmakers are to be commended for standing up to this desperate intimidation campaign.

"The voters of North Carolina have rejected the radical abortion-on-demand position of Roy Cooper, Josh Stein, and the Democrat Party," said NCGOP Chairman Michael Whatley. "I commend our Republican-led General Assembly for overriding Gov. Cooper's veto of this balanced and widely-supported legislation and moving forward to protect life in North Carolina."

May 8, 2023

For Immediate Release

GREENSBORO, N.C. – The North Carolina Republican Party (NCGOP) is excited to announce that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will be the featured speaker at the 2023 NCGOP’s Old North State Dinner at its State Convention in Greensboro!

Who: Ron DeSantis, Governor, Florida
What: Keynote Speaker, Old North State Dinner, 2023 NCGOP State Convention
When: 6:00PM Friday, June 9th, 2023
Where: Grand Ballroom A-C, Koury Convention Center, Greensboro, NC

The 2023 NCGOP State Convention will be held at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, NC June 8-11 and serves as a platform for Republicans from across North Carolina to come together and discuss the critical issues facing our state and our nation and prepare for victory in 2024.

For more information about the NCGOP State Convention, please visit NCGOPConvention.org.

May 8, 2023

For Immediate Release

GREENSBORO, N.C. – The North Carolina Republican Party (NCGOP) is pleased to announce that Former Vice President Mike Pence will be the featured speaker for the 2023 NCGOP’s First in Freedom Luncheon at its State Convention in Greensboro!

Who: Former Vice President of the United States Mike Pence
What: Keynote Speaker, First in Freedom Luncheon, 2023 NCGOP State Convention
When: 12:00PM Saturday, June 10th, 2023
Where: Grand Ballroom A-C, Koury Convention Center, Greensboro, NC.

The 2023 NCGOP State Convention will be held at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, NC June 8-11 and serves as a platform for Republicans from across North Carolina to come together and discuss the critical issues facing our state and our nation and prepare for victory in 2024.

For more information about the NCGOP State Convention, please visit NCGOPConvention.org.

May 8, 2023

For Immediate Release

GREENSBORO, N.C. – The North Carolina Republican Party (NCGOP) is excited to announce that former President Donald J. Trump will be the featured speaker at the 2023 NCGOP’s Grand Old Party Dinner at its State Convention in Greensboro!

Who: 45th President of the United States Donald J. Trump
What: Featured Speaker at the 2023 NCGOP State Convention
When: 6:00PM Saturday, June 10th, 2023
Where: Grand Ballroom A-C, Koury Convention Center, Greensboro, NC.

The 2023 NCGOP State Convention will be held at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, NC June 8-11 and serves as a platform for Republicans from across North Carolina to come together and discuss the critical issues facing our state and our nation and prepare for victory in 2024.

For more information about the NCGOP State Convention, please visit NCGOPConvention.org.

April 28, 2023

For Immediate Release

RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina Republican Party applauds the rulings by the Supreme Court of North Carolina, which reinstate common-sense election integrity protections and restore the constitutional framework after years of partisan subversion by radical Democrats on the bench.

A strong majority of North Carolina voters voted to replace those judicial activists last fall, just like they voted to adopt Voter ID requirements. For the last decade, Democrats have obstructed the Will of the People, but now North Carolina will be among the three dozen states requiring some form of ID to vote. 

These rulings reinforce the fundamental principle of representative government that the people make the law, not judges. The proper role of the judiciary is to interpret the law as written, not as they wish it should be.

"Today is a great day for North Carolina and the Rule of Law," said NCGOP Chairman Michael Whatley. "The People of North Carolina rejected the blatant activism of the progressive judges by electing a strong majority of conservative Justices. These rulings are a big step toward restoring respect for the Constitution and taking politics out of the courtroom."

NCGOP Statement on Rep. Tricia Cotham Joining the Republican Party

April 5, 2023

For Immediate Release

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Republican Party of North Carolina welcomes N.C. House Representative Tricia Cotham to the Republican Party.

"We are thrilled to have Rep. Cotham join the Republican Party to advance solutions for North Carolina families," said NCGOP Chairman Michael Whatley. "This announcement continues to reflect that the Democratic Party is too radical for North Carolina. The values of the Republican Party align with voters, and the People of Mecklenburg County should be proud to have her representation in Raleigh."

“Voters are leaving the Democrat Party every day because its extreme agenda hurts North Carolina families," said U.S. Senator Ted Budd. "Far left Democrats will only fight for a radical, woke agenda — not for good, hardworking people. Rep. Cotham’s historic announcement highlights that Republicans are the only party focused on the bottom line for taxpayers here at home.“

"Tricia and I entered the N.C. House in the class of 2007," said U.S. Senator Thom Tillis. "She is a no nonsense legislator who works hard to make a positive difference for all North Carolinians. She is a welcome addition to the Republican caucus."

The N.C. Democratic Party has done a disservice to this state with its enthusiastic embrace of the radical left and their extreme woke ideas. Since Governor Roy Cooper took office in 2017, Democrat voter registrations in North Carolina have declined by more than 325,000 voters - a testament to the voters' rejection of this brand of Far Left politics.

For those voters who, like Rep. Cotham, are tired of the Democratic Party yanking them further and further into the abyss of woke politics, we invite you to visit NC.GOP to learn more about registering as a Republican today. 

March 14, 2022

For Immediate Release

RALEIGH, N.C. – Today's hearing of Harper v. Hall at the North Carolina Supreme Court offers a chance to restore the constitutional order after years of progressive activist judges subverting that order to personal political agendas.

The People of North Carolina rejected the Democrats' unconstitutional activism at the ballot box in 2022, electing a conservative majority to our State's highest court by the largest margins of victory for any statewide race. Instead of honoring the will of the people, the radical Democrat justices of the former court thumbed their noses at the People of North Carolina during a lame duck session by rushing these cases in support of their preferred partisan outcomes.

"This case is about righting the egregious wrongs committed by an out of control court and reestablishing the proper constitutional roles of our three branches of government when it comes to legislative redistricting," stated NCGOP Chairman Michael Whatley. "The People of North Carolina deserve to know their judiciary, and our elections, follow the constitution - not Democrat schemes to force their radical agenda despite losses at the ballot box."

NCGOP Statement on Chairman Whatley's RNC Appointment

February 28, 2022

For Immediate Release

RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina Republican Party is pleased to announce that its Chairman, Michael Whatley, has been named General Counsel for the Republican National Committee (RNC). 

"Chairman Michael Whatley has done incredible work leading the North Carolina Republican Party to key victories since taking the role in 2019," said RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel. "An accomplished lawyer with a wide breadth of experience at every level of the political process, Chairman Whatley will bring election integrity expertise, strong grassroots ties, and a winning record to the General Counsel's office. I look forward to working closely with the Chairman as we expand our lawfare efforts and work to make Joe Biden a one term president."

"It is an honor to be named General Counsel for the Republican National Committee," said NCGOP Chairman Whatley in reaction to the appointment. "I am excited to work with the RNC, State and Territorial Parties and our Republican Candidates across the Country to ensure that we have fair elections in the crucial 2024 Election Cycle."

North Carolina has proven to be a state of increasing importance in national politics while also serving as a model for Republican electoral victories. Chairman Whatley's appointment as RNC General Counsel further emphasizes our great state as a microcosm of American voters' highest priorities and the NCGOP is proud to help lead the nation toward victory in 2024 and beyond.

Biden's State Of The Union vs Reality

February 7, 2022

For Immediate Release

RALEIGH, N.C. – Tonight President Joe Biden will deliver an address to Congress in which he will deny the true realities Americans are facing everyday to say the state of the Union is strong.

The state of our union is strained and teetering under the weight of Democrats' failing policies. Out of control spending, inflation, a border crisis that worsens by the day, record crime, dependent energy and radical social movements failing our families and children.

"The People of North Carolina won't be fooled by the President’s happy talk tonight," said Chair of the North Carolina Republican Party. "They know that making ends meet is harder in Joe Biden's economy, that our Country is weaker and our kids are being left behind. It's going to take bold leadership in Congress - like we have had from the North Carolina General Assembly - to get the State of the Union back where it should be."

NCGOP Statement on Josh Stein's Unsurprising Announcement

January 18, 2022

For Immediate Release

RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley gave the following statement in reaction to Attorney General Josh Stein's announcement of candidacy for the 2024 gubernatorial election:

"North Carolina families need a Governor who will fight for them - not the woke left. We need a Governor who will focus on building a thriving economy, making sure our kids have the opportunity for a world-class education, and putting families first.

Josh Stein is not that man. He's built his entire career advancing the priorities of the progressive left and enabling Democrats' radical agenda - clearly the wrong choice for the Old North State in 2024." 

NCGOP Condemns Governor Cooper and Democrats for Racist Ad Against NC House Candidate Brian Echevarria

October 28, 2022

For Immediate Release

RALEIGH, N.C. – Governor Roy Cooper appeared in a false attack ad targeting Republican NC House 73 candidate Brian Echevarria.

The ad was paid for by the campaign of Democrat NC House 73 candidate Diamond Staton-Williams, a radical Democrat endorsed by the far-left Progressive Caucus of the N.C. Democratic Party, and features Governor Roy Cooper serving as a shill while depictions of Mr. Echevarria 'mugshots' falsely present the mixed-race Republican as a criminal. The 'mugshot' graphics are fake, as Mr. Echevarria has never been arrested.

"You want to know where I see racism? I see it in the leadership of the Democrat Party," exclaimed NC House 73 candidate Brian Echevarria in reaction to the racist ad. Continuing:

"Out of all the ideas to campaign on, they have to pretend I'm a criminal. How original is that? 'Let's take a man who is Black and Hispanic, who's never been arrested, let's make fake mugshots!' 'Let's pretend and let's project that he's a criminal when he has never had that kind of run in with the law!' The idea that Governor Cooper, the seat of authority in our state, would come on and endorse outright lies and stand behind a fake mugshot of a Black, Hispanic male really shows his true colors."

There is no doubt that if the roles were reversed Democrats, including Governor Roy Cooper and the media, would be howling from the rooftops for Republicans to condemn such an ad.

The NCGOP stands with Mr. Echevarria and condemns these dirty attempts by Governor Cooper and Democrats to smear a strong Family First advocate for Cabarrus County with false attack ads. We invite the voters of NC House District 73 to reject such dishonest campaign tactics and return strong Republican representation to the N.C. General Assembly.

NCGOP Gets Huge Win for Transparency with At-Large Poll Observer Win

October 13, 2022

For Immediate Release

RALEIGH, NC - Today, voters across the Tarheel State gained a vital win in Wake Superior Court for ensuring the integrity of our upcoming Midterm elections. Earlier this year, the NCGOP, RNC, and the Clay County GOP Chair filed suit against the North Carolina State Board of Elections (“State Board”) asking the Court for a declaratory judgment regarding at-large poll observer restrictions and the extended absentee by-mail deadline. Following the initial complaint, the Plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary injunction. 

Placing the rule of law over partisanship, Judge Rozier halted the State Board from continuing to attempt to play the role of the legislature. The hyper-partisan State Board has made a habit of circumventing the General Assembly by twisting, and in some cases, completely changing the meaning of North Carolina election laws. Judge Rozier put a temporary halt to that habit today by granting the motion to preliminarily enjoin the State Board from enforcing their imaginary 4-hour restriction on at-large poll observers. Such a restriction is found nowhere in the poll observer statute, rather, it was created by the State Board’s administrative rule. 

This is a tremendous win for counties, both small and large. It can be difficult to recruit volunteers to serve as observers, which is why the General Assembly created the role of at-large observers who are able to fill in the gaps by going from voting location to voting location throughout the day.

Judge Rozier also ruled on two other of the Plaintiff’s requests: (1) allowing multiple at-large observers in the voting enclosure at one time; and (2) returning the absentee by-mail deadline to November 11, 2022. While Judge Rozier ruled contrary to our arguments, his ruling only applied to the motion for preliminary injunction. A hearing on the merits of the claims will be heard at a later date. 

“Transparency is critical when it comes to the election process,” said NCGOP Chairman Michael Whatley. “In upholding the rule of law and ensuring opportunities for at-large observers, this ruling is a win for the voters of North Carolina.”

The NCGOP will continue fighting for election integrity and transparency measures that make it easy to vote, but hard to cheat.