North Carolina Representative Switches Party Registration
A state representative in North Carolina has changed her party affiliation from Democrat to independent after voting with Republicans on immigration matters.
Recently, it came to light that Rep. Carla Cunningham is no longer a registered Democrat. She has been serving since 2012, representing the 106th Congressional District. In a statement, she mentioned that she has “come to realize” her focus should be on serving her constituents rather than adhering strictly to party lines.
“All cultures are not equal,” she reportedly stated.
Continuing, she emphasized that being an independent thinker does not mean aligning with any political agenda. “I will never compromise the needs of my constituents for a political agenda,” she said, according to local reports.
As of now, her voter registration reflects her independent status.
Last year, Cunningham faced backlash after making remarks in the North Carolina House of Representatives, prioritizing American citizens over illegal immigrants. “If I were asked to stand in line behind another group to raise awareness about their plight, I would unapologetically say no,” she remarked last July.
Additionally, she voiced strong opinions on the immigration situation saying, “It’s time to wake up. New rules need to be established to deal with different types of threats. The immigration we face in our countries, states, and cities is finally here. Stop the conveyor belt,” she stated passionately.
In a more controversial segment of her speech, Cunningham noted that some immigrant backgrounds clash with American values, saying “not all cultures are equal.” She clarified that she is open to those who wish to assimilate and respect the laws when coming to the U.S.
Interestingly, despite her break from the Democratic fold, she voted alongside Republicans to override a veto from Democratic Governor Josh Stein regarding the Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act. This vote, rooted in principle, passed through the House with a significant majority.
However, Cunningham has claimed that her votes have led to accusations of racism against her. “Yes, I was downvoted because of my vote. Yes, I was called a racist for voting. And yes, I was told I was trash,” she stated in a floor speech.
Reports suggest that other local Democratic figures, like Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden, have confronted her over her stance. In January, she joined others in filing a petition against McFadden, alleging he warned her against voting to override the veto.
McFadden, in an affidavit, claimed that there were threats to Cunningham’s safety if she decided to vote against the veto. He advised her saying, “I don’t want to see you hurt,” a comment she interpreted as a veiled threat.
Despite these controversies, Sheriff McFadden successfully won re-election in March and now faces no opposition in the upcoming general election.
On another note, Cunningham’s own political journey has taken a hit—she lost the Democratic primary in March to Rev. Rodney Sadler, who received nearly 70% of the votes, marking an end to her seven-term career in the House. There are currently no Republican or independent candidates running for the seat.
Speculation remains regarding Cunningham’s future in politics, with questions about whether she might run again as an independent or Republican, but her office has yet to respond to inquiries on the matter.
