Can Democrats unseat Tricia Cotham?
A closer look at the numbers behind the south Charlotte N.C. House district, where Democrat Nicole Sidman will face Cotham in November
The following article appeared in the March 8, 2024, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.
Just how winnable is Tricia Cotham’s House seat for Democrats? Let’s look at the numbers
The dust is settling on Tuesday’s primary election, and probably the hottest contest in Mecklenburg County is going to be for the N.C. House seat held by Republican Tricia Cotham.
Democrats on Tuesday voted out her mother, longtime county commissioner Pat Cotham. And in November, they’re going to be gunning hard for Tricia Cotham herself. The younger Cotham switched from Democrat to Republican nearly a year ago, giving Republicans in the state legislature a veto-proof majority.
Democrat Nicole Sidman on Tuesday won the right to face Cotham, winning 57% of the vote in a three-way race. Cotham didn’t have a primary opponent.
Veteran political reporter Steve Harrison of WFAE wrote in December:
Cotham’s reelection bid for House District 105 in November will likely draw national attention — and could be one of the state’s most expensive House races ever. It’s not just a match that could help decide total control of a closely divided legislature — for many Democrats, it’s a grudge match.
But can Cotham be beaten?