black female Democrat NC State Rep. Cunningham switches registration to Unaffiliated | Eastern NC Now

The North Carolina Democrat caucus in the NG House now has one less member. Seven term State Representative Carla Cunningham of Mecklenburg County, a black woman, has switched her registration from Democrat to Unaffiliated with a blast at the Democrat Party.

Cunningham split with her party in the past legislative session over the issue of illegal immigration.  She has supported enforcement of our immigration laws, while most in her party want all illegal aliens, even the criminals, to stay in our country.  That issue came to a head in this legislative session when Rep. Cunningham voted to override a veto by liberal Governor Stein of an immigration enforcement bil that outlawed sanctuary counties for illegal alien criminals,l and made a fiery speech on the House floor on the subject, which was rudely interrupted by other Democrats.  Stein then campaigned against Cunningham in her primary.

In announcing her change of party, Cunningham told the Democrats that her "values as a black woman no longer align with their agenda."  She noted "I have been a Democrat all my life but  but I came to realize I want to serve the people, not a party".

Cunningham maintained her stance against illegal immigration, declaring "we have a moral obligation to put the needs of struggling Americans above all competing agendas."  With another veto override on immigration legislation expected during the legislative session, Cunningham is likely to be a key vote on it.

https://redstate.com/sister-toldjah/2026/04/24/nc-democrat-gets-revenge-on-governor-changes-parties-in-move-that-can-have-big-impacts-on-short-session-n2201662