Representative Tricia Ann Cotham represents District 100 in the North Carolina General Assembly. Rep. Cotham is the youngest woman in the House of Representatives and is in her second term. Rep. Cotham serves on nine distinguished committees and on Education and Election Oversight. Rep. Cotham is the chair of the Education PreK-12 Committee and the Under Forty Legislative Caucus. 

Representative Cotham brings unique perspectives and values to Raleigh. She is the only current and licensed principal in the NC General Assembly. Ms. Cotham became a high school administrator at the age of twenty-five at a low performing school in Charlotte. At the time, she was the youngest administrator in North Carolina. Prior to administration, Ms. Cotham taught Social Studies and Coordinated the AVID Program. She has been honored twice at “Teacher of the Year.” In her spare time, she teaches other teachers on to better assist children of poverty and children of color. 

Representative Cotham is passionate about issues of education, children, safety, globalization, social justice, and equality. She has introduced a variety of legislation that supports these passions.

Representative Cotham started her career in politics at a very early age. When she was ten, she was fascinated with government and elections. She worked every weekend to register people in inner city neighborhoods to vote. Her love of politics and government continued throughout high school and college by serving on many campaigns. She was a debate champion and athlete. Rep. Cotham was Senator John Edwards’s first intern. Ms. Cotham studied abroad in Cuba while in college. She represented the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL)  went on a political exchange to Japan and recently went to Singapore in January of 2010 to study Singapore’s educational system.

Rep. Cotham is honored and committed to public service. She was honored in 2007 as UNC Most Outstanding Young Alumna. This year, Rep. Cotham was recognized as “Legislator of the Year” for her work on open elections and pre-registration of 16 and 17 year olds to vote. In April, she will be honored as one of the 50 most Influential Women in Charlotte Mecklenburg. 

Rep. Cotham is married to Jerry Meek, an Attorney and Partner, at Poyner Spruill Law Firm. Mr. Meek was the Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party. The two live in Mecklenburg County.