North Carolina Republicans Pass Bill Weakening Governor

North Carolina Republicans have passed a significant bill aimed at diminishing the powers of incoming Democratic officials, including the governor and attorney general, while also addressing Hurricane Helene relief funding. The 131-page legislation, approved largely along party lines, shifts the appointment of the State Board of Elections to the GOP state auditor, which may lead to a Republican majority on the board. It accelerates post-election deadlines to address complaints from Republicans about slow ballot counting during recent elections. Outgoing Democratic Governor Roy Cooper has condemned the measure as a 'massive power grab,' and other Democrats have raised concerns about its constitutionality. With the GOP's veto-proof majority likely ending soon, this move represents their last opportunity to implement such partisan changes. The bill allocates $277 million from the state’s rainy day fund for relief, though most of the funds cannot be utilized immediately.