Mecklenburg County: State Leaders Back Democrat in Tight House District 105 Race
Governor Josh Stein and Attorney General Jeff Jackson campaign for Ken McCool against incumbent Tricia Cotham in a district that served as a pivot point for the state legislature's recent redistricting.
By Fatou Mitchell ·
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and Attorney General Jeff Jackson are actively campaigning in Mecklenburg County House District 105, a race that has become a focal point for state and national political observers. The district covers Mint Hill, Matthews, and parts of south Charlotte. Democrat Ken McCool is challenging incumbent Republican Tricia Cotham for the seat.
The district's political makeup shifted dramatically in 2023. Cotham, a longtime state representative, switched from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party. This move granted the North Carolina General Assembly a Republican supermajority, enabling the party to override vetoes from then-Governor Roy Cooper. Following the party change, the state legislature redrew the district boundaries to allow Cotham to run as a Republican.
Cotham won the 2024 election by a margin of fewer than 200 votes. She has not agreed to an interview with WBTV despite a month-long effort by the news station to secure one. McCool, a former Matthews town commissioner, noted that his political interest began during a high school visit by Cotham. He described her as the person who lit a fire under him.
McCool highlighted the approximate even split of registered Republicans and Democrats in the district. He called the area the political epicenter of North Carolina. McCool stated that if Democrats lose this district, they are unlikely to win surrounding districts statewide. He credited the presence of Stein and Jackson with demonstrating the momentum his campaign is building.
The candidates have clashed on infrastructure spending. McCool said he opposed the I-77 South toll road project before it gained popularity. He criticized the political hypocrisy surrounding the project, specifically noting the reaction from Raleigh when the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization and local municipalities withdrew their support. McCool questioned why there was no similar outcry when Cotham passed the PAVE Act, which removed the Silver Line from East Charlotte and Matthews, resulting in $40 million in planning costs being cut without reimbursement.
McCool said he gained experience in Raleigh acting as a de facto liaison for the Matthews board on legislative matters. He plans to hold monthly office hours in Matthews Town Hall if he wins the election.
A spokesperson for Cotham provided a written statement regarding the race. The statement said Cotham remains committed to working with anyone who wants to improve the lives of Mecklenburg County residents. It added that she will build on her work to strengthen public safety and continue advocating for more funding for students, educators, and classrooms.
The race for House District 105 has attracted thousands in campaign contributions. Stein and Jackson joined McCool at recent campaign events to address supporters in the district.
