Ahead of November election, NC Democrats tout abortion rights while Republicans focus on reviving economy

North Carolina Democrats are increasing their focus on reproductive rights to motivate voters this November.

On Tuesday, Gov. Roy Cooper and Laphonza Butler, president of EMILY’s List, a national group dedicated to identifying and promoting pro-choice female candidates for office, held a news conference to draw attention to the issue at the state level.

“I'm here in North Carolina today because the state – this state – is a central battleground for the midterm elections and for protecting abortion rights,” Butler said.

The U.S. Supreme Court has left abortion laws up to the states, meaning state representatives in those legislatures will decide the future of abortion rights in their states. National groups on both sides, including EMILY’s List, are putting money into races as Democrats try to make sure they hold enough seats to uphold Cooper’s veto.

North Carolina Republicans need to pick up just two seats in the state Senate and three seats in the state House to win a veto-proof majority.

“I have to have a number in the legislature who would be willing to stand with me and support my veto of right-wing legislation that we know will be coming from this legislature,” Cooper said.

House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate Leader Phil Berger have already said they will take up abortion laws next session. If they can win a supermajority, they could pass a strict ban.

Moore said he personally would favor a ban on abortion after the sixth week of pregnancy. Berger said he’d support a 12-week ban. However, both said their caucuses have not yet settled on a proposal. The North Carolina legislature has passed some type of abortion restriction nearly every session since 2010, but Cooper has the power to veto those moves. With a supermajority, Republicans could override any veto.

Republican leaders declined to be interviewed, but state House GOP political director Stephen Wiley sent WRAL News an email.

“Democrats know that voters are fed up with their irresponsible spending spree, and instead of actually working to address our economic malaise, they want to focus on divisive social issues.”

NCGOP spokesperson Jeff Moore echoed Wiley's sentiments.

"This is nothing more than an obvious attempt at distraction," Moore wrote in an email to WRAL News. "Democrats are desperate to run from the horrendous consequences of their own disastrous and extreme policies, but the People of North Carolina know better and will show it in November."

WRAL News asked state Sen. Sydney Batch, D-Wake County, whether focusing on abortion might alienate economy voters.

“I think that constituents and voters can walk and chew gum, right?” Batch said. “You can be worried about inflation, but you can also be worried about the fact that you're not going to be able to control your body and make decisions.”

Submit your questions about elections in North Carolina