RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Former North Carolina governor and Charlotte mayor Pat McCrory is speaking out against the state Senate bill that strips power from the state’s top leaders.  

Now, the chair of election research organization RightCount, McCrory, emphasizes that voters elect candidates to serve in certain roles. 

“North Carolinians, including me, elected the state auditor to investigate waste, fraud, and abuse in state government — not appoint the Board of Elections,” he said. “The North Carolina Constitution assigns appointment powers of this nature to the governor, not the state auditor. Both political parties should stop playing games with the administration of elections, which shakes the confidence of voters in our voting system.” 

Senate Bill 382 passed through the House and Senate this week after McCrory argues it was fast-tracked by its Republican sponsors. It includes relief funds for Hurricane Helene, but it was the section regarding the governor and attorney general that has drawn the most criticism. 

It would strip the governor of the authority to appoint members to the State Board of Elections, also removing duties from the attorney general. Two Democrats – Josh Stein and Jeff Jackson- will take office in those roles in January, when the GOP will also lose its supermajority. 

Gov. Roy Cooper has signaled his intent to veto the legislation, which would then return to the General Assembly for a potential override vote in the days ahead. 

McCrory, a Republican while serving as a politician, was governor from 2013-2016 and served as the Queen City’s mayor from 1995 to 2009.