RALEIGH, N.C. — APRIL 28, 2026 — Two North Carolina state representatives, Carla Cunningham (D-Mecklenburg) and Nasif Majeed (D-Mecklenburg), have officially changed their party registration from Democratic to unaffiliated in the wake of losing their respective primaries this past March.
These departures underscore growing internal friction within the North Carolina Democratic Party and have drawn significant attention to the shifting political landscape in the General Assembly.
I. Background: The Legislative Rift Both Representatives Cunningham and Majeed had developed reputations as lawmakers willing to break with party lines, particularly on high-profile veto override votes during the 2025–2026 session.
Rep. Carla Cunningham (District 106): After 14 years in the House, Cunningham lost her primary challenge to Rev. Rodney Sadler. Her decision to leave the party followed months of tension after she provided a critical crossover vote to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of a bill requiring sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
Rep. Nasif Majeed (District 99): Having served since 2018, Majeed was defeated by challenger Veleria Levy in March. He previously broke with his caucus by voting with Republicans on an override for a bill aimed at preventing sexual exploitation.
Departures and Statements Both legislators emphasized that their move to “unaffiliated” status reflects a desire to serve their constituents rather than align with party directives
II. Departures and Statements Both legislators emphasized that their move to “unaffiliated” status reflects a desire to serve their constituents rather than align with party directives.
Cunningham’s Position: Upon switching her affiliation on April 24, Cunningham stated, “I have been a Democrat all my life, but I came to realize that I want to serve the people, not a party. Being an independent thinker does not align with party politics.”
Majeed’s Position: On April 27, Majeed announced his switch, citing concerns over political practices within the party.
“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 wrote in his statement.
Political Impact in the General Assembly The resignations occur as the General Assembly enters its short session, where Republicans—who hold a supermajority in the Senate—are striving to maintain or solidify a veto-proof supermajority in the House
III. Political Impact in the General Assembly The resignations occur as the General Assembly enters its short session, where Republicans—who hold a supermajority in the Senate—are striving to maintain or solidify a veto-proof supermajority in the House.
Legislative Dynamics: With Cunningham and Majeed now unaffiliated, their future voting patterns on potential veto overrides—particularly regarding immigration and energy policy—will be closely watched.
Their departure mirrors the 2023 move of Rep. Tricia Cotham, whose switch to the Republican Party previously provided the GOP with the margin necessary to enact significant policy changes.
Refusal to Switch: Despite speculation, Rep. Shelly Willingham (D-Edgecombe), who also lost his primary after bucking party lines on several veto overrides, has stated he will remain a registered Democrat through the end of his term.
The Broader Trend: A Shifting Electorate These individual departures highlight a wider trend in North Carolina politics
IV. The Broader Trend: A Shifting Electorate. These individual departures highlight a wider trend in North Carolina politics. As of early 2026, for the first time in recorded state history, registered Republican voters outnumber registered Democrats, though the largest share of voters remains unaffiliated.
Political analysts attribute this largely to a generational shift, where younger voters are increasingly opting out of formal party registration altogether rather than signaling a permanent move between the two major parties.
As the 2026 midterm cycle approaches, the exit of these veteran lawmakers serves as a stark marker of the internal pressures facing the state’s political institutions as they navigate a period of high polarization.