North Carolina GOP Secures Control Over Highway Patrol Leadership Despite Governor’s Challenge

In a move that underscores how state legislatures are weaponizing law to curtail executive power, North Carolina Democratic Governor Josh Stein has opted not to appeal a trial court ruling that upheld a GOP-backed law restricting his authority over the State Highway Patrol commander position.How Did We Get Here? A Preemptive Power GrabThis power struggle began in December 2024 when the Republican-controlled legislature, just days before Governor Stein took office, passed a sweeping law mandating that the incumbent State Highway Patrol commander, Col. Freddy Johnson—appointed by former Democrat Governor Roy Cooper—remain in his post without possibility of removal by the...