06/19/2026
BREAKING: NC Republicans Weighing Options, Weaponizing the Budget to Hurt Democrats: Governor Stein Needs to Hear From Citizens
Several sources in Raleigh are reporting after the HB 958 huge backlash, NC Republicans are weighing their options. Some Democrats are trying to negotiate sections of the Election Laws bill but admit there is no hope of changing the worst parts.
Time is Running Out
HB 958 is not currently scheduled to go before the Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House. If it is approved by the committee the bill has to be approved by the full House and then sent to the Senate for passage.
However, lawmakers are scheduled to leave Raleigh in two weeks for their July 4th break. If the bill were to pass both chambers before the break, it would have to be signed by Governor Josh Stein to become law.
👉 Option 1: Pass the Bill by June 24th
Stein has indicated he will not sign HB 958. Republicans must pass the bill, in both chambers, and send it to the Governor by Wednesday, June 24 to ensure it becomes law. Lawmakers have to override the veto before adjourning for their break. If the bill is sent to the Governor after June 24th, and the legislature adjourns, it will die on Stein’s desk.
👉 Option 2: Partisan Republican Strategy
The most concerning option, mentioned by several long-time legislative observers, is adding the most damaging provisions, to the long awaited State Budget.
It has been 1,000 days since the NC General Assembly passed a budget. Taxpayers have no idea what their money has been used for over the last three years. Once the House Appropriations Committee approves a budget, sends it to the House floor where it will pass, it will go to the Republican controlled Senate for a vote.
Call to Action
Stein would then have to choose between vetoing a desperately needed budget or letting it become law despite all the “poison pills”. This will be used against Democrats during the remaining months of the 2026 elections.
Now is the time to let your elected officials know where you stand. If you support free and fair elections and campaign finance transparency, tell Governor Stein to veto HB 958 or, if necessary, the State Budget.
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Article by D. C. Davis
June 19, 2026
Photo of North Carolina State Legislative Building by Jayron32 of English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5697196
