Governor Pat McCrory Concedes Election; Roy Cooper to Thank Supporters Tuesday

CHARLOTTE, NC – Tuesday, Governor-elect Roy Cooper will thank his supporters during a victory rally in Raleigh.

Governor Pat McCrory conceded in a video posted on YouTube Monday, saying in part, “The majority of our citizens have spoken. And we now should do everything we can to support the 75th Governor of North Carolina, Roy Cooper.”

Though there will be a new face in the Governor’s Mansion, political analysts say don’t expect sudden changes.

Republicans in the General Assembly will still have veto-proof majorities in both chambers.

“He’s more of a speed bump in their way than a wall,” says UNC Charlotte Political Science Professor Eric Heberlig.

Heberlig says Cooper can give a voice to issues he cares about, but his party is still in the minority.

“The Governor has the bully pulpit. He has the ability to tell the public his vision but he doesn’t have the votes in the legislature to actually get it done,” Heberlig says.

“I think you’ll notice very little difference, relative to actual policy,” says Republican State Senator Jeff Tarte.

Tarte says while Cooper will face opposition from lawmakers, there is room to work with him on important issues like the controversial House Bill 2.

Tarte hopes Cooper may be able to get Democrats from Charlotte to compromise.

“Hopefully we can identify leadership that’s willing to sit down and begin serious conversations around the topic,” Tarte says.

“We have some very divisive things that pulled us apart last year,” says Democratic State Representative Rodney Moore.

Moore thinks fresh leadership can get everyone back on track, despite his party being in the minority.

“It will be a challenge but all legislative action is a challenge,” Moore says.