NC Democrats oust a longtime lawmaker from their leadership ranks
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Dan Blue (left) and Sydney Batch (right). Photos: North Carolina General Assembly
North Carolina Democrats ousted a political giant from their leadership ranks Monday night, electing a rising star in the party, Sen. Sydney Batch, to replace Sen. Dan Blue as Senate minority leader.
Why it matters: The move represents a new chapter for the party. Blue has served in the legislature for more than 40 years, rising through the ranks to become the first Black Speaker of the House in the 1990s and Senate minority leader for the last decade.
- Batch will be the first Black female lawmaker to assume the position.
Driving the news: Senate Democrats' leadership change came as a surprise to many, including Blue himself, who did not know about Batch's plans to challenge him until last week, he told journalist Bryan Anderson.
- But some legislative Democrats had grown frustrated with Blue's lack of leadership in recent years, and Batch believed she had enough support to win in a race against Blue in leadership elections held Monday night, lawmakers speaking on the condition of anonymity, as caucus meetings are held in confidence, told Axios.
- Blue bowed out of the race just before the vote was held, after the caucus voted to allow members to cast their votes via a secret ballot, Democrats told Axios.
The big picture: Batch's election — and Blue's ousting — comes on the heels of a tough election for Democrats nationally.
- Though North Carolina Democrats won some important races in the state, including the governor's mansion and some key legislative races that are expected to help the party break the GOP's legislative supermajority, January will mark the start of Republicans' 14th year in power in North Carolina's legislature.
- Throughout that time, Democrats have struggled to counter Republican policies and redistricting efforts.
What they're saying: "It is an honor to be chosen by my colleagues to lead the Senate Democratic Caucus during such a pivotal time for our state," Batch said in a statement Tuesday night.
- "I am deeply grateful for Senator Dan Blue, whose leadership has guided the Caucus over this past decade," Batch said, thanking Blue for his leadership "through a historic tenure in both chambers of the General Assembly."
- Blue and Batch did not respond to Axios' request for comment.
Zoom in: Batch, a family law attorney in Raleigh, was first elected to the General Assembly in 2018. She served in the House for one term, until she lost her race for re-election to Republican Rep. Erin Paré in 2020.
- Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper appointed her to the state Senate in early 2021.
- Blue and Batch were both re-elected to represent Wake County in the state Senate last month, and Blue told Anderson this term would be his last as a state senator.