NC Rep. Carla Cunningham Switches to Unaffiliated After Primary Loss
Seven-term Rep. Carla Cunningham becomes unaffiliated after losing Democratic primary, following controversial immigration votes that angered party leadership.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — State Rep. Carla Cunningham has switched her party affiliation from Democrat to unaffiliated following her primary election defeat in March. This marks the second time in three years a Mecklenburg County legislator has left the Democratic Party.
The seven-term incumbent lost her Democratic primary to Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler, who had the endorsement of Gov. Josh Stein. The Charlotte Observer reported Cunningham’s party switch on Friday.
Controversial Votes Drew Party Criticism
Cunningham’s relationship with fellow Democrats became strained after she voted to override Gov. Stein’s veto of legislation requiring sheriffs to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. During floor debate on that bill, Cunningham delivered remarks that drew sharp criticism from her party.
“All cultures are not equal,” Cunningham said during her speech, arguing that immigrants must assimilate. The comments angered many Democratic colleagues and contributed to tensions within the party caucus.
Independent Approach to Governance
In a recent interview with WBT radio, Cunningham defended her decision-making process and suggested she would continue voting independently of party influence.
“It’s not beneficial for me to line up behind a party agenda,” Cunningham told WBT’s Brett Jensen. “What’s beneficial to my constituents is that I serve them and prioritize what their needs are.”
When asked whether Democrats should be concerned about her voting patterns during the upcoming legislative short session, Cunningham indicated she would research issues independently rather than follow party directives.
“I’m transactional,” she said. “It’s business. It’s government doing business.”
Pattern of Party Defections
Cunningham’s departure continues a trend for Mecklenburg County Democrats. In April 2023, Rep. Tricia Cotham announced she would join the Republican caucus, giving the GOP 72 members in the state House.
Cotham’s switch proved significant for Republican legislative priorities, providing enough votes to override vetoes from then-Gov. Roy Cooper. The defection demonstrated how individual party switches can dramatically alter the balance of power in the General Assembly.
Cunningham’s move to unaffiliated status means she will not caucus with either major party, though her voting record will determine whether she continues to support Democratic initiatives or aligns more frequently with Republican positions.
The timing of Cunningham’s announcement, coming after her primary defeat but before the general election, suggests the switch may be permanent rather than a temporary political maneuver.
