'You need me. I do not need you' Brockman fires warning shot at fellow Democrats

Brockman cited the likely insignificance of his vote and health issues for his absence on an override vote for Senate Bill 382. He also lashed out at fellow Democrats who have since criticized him.

North Carolina state Rep. Cecil Brockman, a Democrat who represents Guilford County, attends a committee hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023.

Five days ago, House Republicans enacted a sweeping new law aimed at curbing the powers of several incoming statewide Democratic officeholders.

And while his absence wouldn’t have ultimately changed the outcome of last week’s vote, Democratic Rep. Cecil Brockman issued a blistering statement on Monday in response to pushback over his latest in a long history of notable absences.

Brockman said in a statement on Monday that he was sick and decided to prioritize his health after learning all House Republicans were likely to support the override.

In his statement on Monday, Brockman referenced an op-ed he shared with the Raleigh News & Observer in April in which he had opened up about his continued mental health struggles and a mental breakdown he experienced in 2023.

Brockman then blasted the state Democratic Party and his House colleagues over what he sees as hypocrisy, racism and betrayal.

“After gathering the strength to share with the world about my struggle with mental health, the party has sent angry mobs after me,” Brockman wrote on Monday.

Brockman specifically clapped back at recent critical comments from colleagues of his, including Reps. Pricey Harrison and Tracy Clark. Clark told the Greensboro News & Record that Brockman’s absence was “extremely frustrating because he’s not a Democrat,” while Harrison pressed for Brockman to explain himself.

Anderson Alerts reached out to Brockman for comment on Wednesday ahead of the vote, but never heard back.

"The party would rather have a seat warmer who does nothing, sacrificing their own community's needs for the desires of the wealthy and white Democratic elite,” Brockman wrote on Monday.