North Carolina Republicans Override Eight Governor Stein Vetoes on Gender, Guns, Immigration

In North Carolina, Republican lawmakers successfully overrode eight of Democratic Governor Josh Stein's vetoes with the help of a few Democrats crossing party lines, despite the Democrats holding a narrow majority in the state House. The overridden bills include controversial measures defining gender strictly as male and female, expanding cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, allowing armed personnel on private school campuses, and restricting the use of state funds for transgender transition surgeries. Governor Stein criticized the overrides, highlighting concerns over increased utility costs and job losses related to climate change policy vetoes. Republicans, led by Senate President Phil Berger, argued that the vetoes were out of touch with North Carolinians and emphasized their intent to prioritize family values, public safety, and Second Amendment rights. The overrides mark a significant assertion of Republican legislative power despite losing a supermajority in the 2024 elections, with several Democrats breaking ranks to join the GOP. Additional veto override attempts on divisive issues like permitless concealed carry were expected to follow.