Stein, Jackson campaign for Democrat in Mecklenburg House race

Gov. Josh Stein and Attorney General Jeff Jackson recently joined a campaign rally for Democrat Ken McCool in Mecklenburg County. Their appearance marks a high level of state-level involvement in a race for House District 105. The district includes Mint Hill, Matthews, and parts of south Charlotte. McCool is challenging incumbent Republican Tricia Cotham.

The contest has drawn national attention due to the district's even partisan split and its local political history. McCool, a former Matthews town commissioner, said Cotham first inspired his interest in politics during a visit to his 10th-grade journalism class. At that time, Cotham was a Democrat. She switched to the Republican Party in 2023. Her party change helped Republicans gain a supermajority in the state legislature. That majority allowed them to override vetoes from then-Gov. Roy Cooper.

Following the redistricting process, House District 105 was redrawn to allow Cotham to run as a Republican. She won the seat in 2024 by fewer than 200 votes. Cotham did not return interview requests from local media over the past month. Her spokesperson issued a statement saying Cotham remains committed to improving lives in Mecklenburg County. The statement noted she will strengthen public safety and advocate for funding for students and educators.

McCool argues that the district serves as a political bellwether for the state. He stated that if Democrats do not win this district, they will struggle in other races across North Carolina. He credited Stein and Jackson for demonstrating momentum for his campaign. McCool also cited his experience as a liaison between the Matthews board and the state legislature in Raleigh. If elected, he plans to hold monthly office hours at Matthews Town Hall.

The candidates have clashed over infrastructure projects. McCool said he opposed the I-77 South toll road project early on. He criticized the state for threatening to make local municipalities repay planning costs after they withdrew support. He contrasted that with the handling of the Silver Line light rail project. He noted that $40 million in planning funds were spent before the project was cut, yet no similar reimbursement demands were made at the time.

The next step in the campaign will involve continued door-to-door outreach and further appearances by state leaders. Both candidates plan to focus on local economic development and transportation issues in the final weeks before the election. The race will be decided in the general election later this year.