RALEIGH — Three seasoned state lawmakers have joined Rep. Ken Goodman’s Main Street Democrats Legislative Caucus, bringing the group’s membership to 18.
Reps. Tricia Cotham and Kelly Alexander of Mecklenburg County and Rep. Susi Hamilton of New Hanover County are now on board, Goodman announced this week.
“Tricia, Kelly and Susi have a proven record of leadership in our state legislature,” Goodman said. “Their support and their work will be important to Main Street voters.”
Cotham, a Matthews small business owner and educator, and Alexander, a Charlotte funeral director, have each served 4 1/2 terms in the North Carolina House. Hamilton, a Wilmington business consultant who represents Brunswick and New Hanover counties, has been elected to three terms.
Lawmakers announced the Main Street Democrats’ formation when the General Assembly convened its 2015 regular session on Jan. 28. The caucus consists of self-described centrists who support pro-business policies designed to bring jobs and economic growth.
Goodman, D-Richmond, is the group’s founding chairman. Sen. Joel Ford, D-Mecklenburg, serves as vice chairman.
Last week, the Main Street Democrats announced the formation of an advisory board composed of 21 former state lawmakers including Gene McLaurin of Richmond County, Bill Purcell of Scotland County and former House Majority Leader Hugh Holliman of Davidson County.
“Our goal is to build the Democratic Party by working to win elections where we haven’t been successful in the past,” Goodman said. “We want to complement the House Democratic Caucus with a policy and political arm that will supplement our current efforts.”