Tricia Cotham to Face Ken McCool in November Election
The race for North Carolina House District 105 heats up ahead of the upcoming November 2026 election.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Elections
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North Carolina state Representative Tricia Cotham is set to face challenger Ken McCool in the November 2026 election for House District 105. The contest remains a focal point for voters in the Charlotte area following Cotham's party switch in 2023.
Why it matters
The race is gaining intensity due to shifting national political trends and unfavorable polling for Republicans that may impact the competitiveness of the district. Voters in Charlotte and the surrounding area will decide the outcome, which hinges on turnout given the partisan split of the district.
Official campaign finance filings show Ken McCool raised $97,097.80 between February and June 2026 compared to $34,126 raised by Tricia Cotham. The district currently holds a partisan balance of 46.56% Democratic and 51.26% Republican voters.
The players
Tricia Cotham
She is the incumbent North Carolina state Representative for House District 105 who switched political parties in 2023.
Ken McCool
He is the candidate challenging the incumbent for the House District 105 seat in the upcoming 2026 election.
Josh Stein
He is the Governor of North Carolina who participated in a campaign event for Ken McCool in October 2026.
The details
Tricia Cotham, who previously won her 2024 reelection by a margin of over 200 votes, faces a challenge from Ken McCool as both candidates prepare for the final months of campaigning. Governor Josh Stein joined McCool for a campaign event in east Charlotte on October 14, 2026, to bolster support for the challenger.
Timeline
Tricia Cotham switched from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party in 2023.
Tricia Cotham secured reelection in District 105 during the 2024 cycle.
Candidates engaged in a fundraising and spending period from February to June 2026.
Governor Josh Stein campaigned for Ken McCool on October 14, 2026.
The election for House District 105 is scheduled for November 2026.
Political Context
Opponents argue that the recent shift in the district landscape necessitates a change in representation to better reflect the local voter base. Concerns have been raised regarding the incumbent's policy priorities and the alignment of the district with current party platforms.
The outcome of this race will determine which representative advocates for local Charlotte interests at the state level. Residents should be aware that the final legislative priorities for the district will be shaped by the winner of the November 2026 vote.
The takeaway
Voters in House District 105 are weighing the incumbent's legislative record against the campaign platform of the challenger. Understanding the district's narrow partisan split is essential for anticipating the final election results in November.
What happens next
The election for House District 105 will take place in November 2026.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming contests, see the Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Charlotte Observer.
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In the upcoming election, will you prioritize a candidate's political party over their local legislative record?
