Two NC lawmakers leave Democratic Party after defeats in March primaries

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — North Carolina state representatives Carla Cunningham and Nasif Majeed have left the Democratic Party and changed their affiliation to Unaffiliated and Independent, respectively. This comes after their constituents voted them out in favor for more progressive candidates in the March primary. 

Reports of Cunningham’s announced her party change Friday; Majeed followed shortly after on Monday. 

Cunningham cited a misalignment with the party for the past four years and hostility from those outside House District 106, including those in her party and Gov. Josh Stein, as reasons for changing affiliation. 

“I have witnessed and experienced actions within the political landscape that I believe could be perceived as misleading or inconsistent with the spirit of fair elections,” Cunningham said in a statement. “I cannot, in good conscience, remain aligned where those concerns are not adequately addressed.”

Majeed cited similar concerns of ethical conduct.

“I have witnessed and experienced actions within the political landscape that I believe could be perceived as misleading or inconsistent with the spirit of fair elections,” Majeed said in a statement. “I cannot, in good conscience, remain aligned where those concerns are not adequately addressed.”

Cunningham and Majeed are nearing the end of their terms in office. Cunningham has served seven terms representing District 106 in north Mecklenburg and Majeed four terms in District 99 in northeast Mecklenburg County. 

Both lost their primaries by an overwhelming 40+ point difference. Rodney Sadler unseated Cunningham, with endorsements from Gov. Stein and the Black Political Caucus. Veleria Levy won over Majeed with endorsements from progressive movements like Sunrise, Planned Parenthood and UNITE HERE Local 23, the airport workers union. 

The incumbents’ losses can be traced back to votes that helped push Republican bills through. 

This term, both voted for the “Power Bill Reduction Act,” which eliminates a key climate target for Duke Energy. 

Levy said that the vote was the tipping point for some voters.

While Democrats and Republicans disagree on the financial impacts, research from Duke University estimates the law could cost ratepayers $23 billion more due to fluctuating fuel prices.

“To know that your representative overrode the democratic governor’s veto to give us additional fees that we have to pay,” Levy said. “People are just tired of not being heard.”

Last year, Majeed also sided with Republicans to override a veto by Gov. Josh Stein on legislation stating there were only two sexes and genders in the state.

“You never let down your district. You don’t let down the people that sent you there, because if you do, then they’ll send you home, and they should,” Levy said.

Voters took a similar stance against Cunningham.

Sadler pointed to Cunningham’s vote to override Gov. Stein’s veto of HB318, which strengthened immigration enforcement by requiring sheriffs to cooperate with ICE.

“A change in the politics of hate that have governed our state for far too long,” Sadler said. “We’ve seen that immigrants have been blamed for the problems generally that we have in society.”

Cunningham’s remarks defending her vote on HB318 in July caused a lot of harm. 

“All cultures are not equal. Some immigrants come and believe they can function in isolation, refusing to adapt. They have come to our country for many reasons, but I suggest they must assimilate, adapt to the culture of the country they wish to live in,” Cunningham said. “If you ask me to line up behind another group of people to raise awareness about their plight, I unapologetically say no.”

Republican House Speaker Destin Hall applauded the party changes in a statement.

“Today’s Democratic Party has no room for those who don’t toe the line of the far left’s agenda. I applaud my colleagues, Rep. Cunningham and Rep. Majeed, for putting their constituents first. Like so many other North Carolinians, they have chosen to move on from a Democratic Party that has left them behind. Both of these members have led with integrity, refusing to let political pressure dictate their convictions or undermine the interests of the people they were elected to serve, and North Carolina is better for it.”

Cunningham and Majeed have not announced their next moves after their terms end, however, both said they are committed to serving until then. 

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.