A moderate Democrat seeking re-election is encountering backlash from her party for collaborating with Republicans to enhance cooperation with federal immigration officials.
State Representative Carla Cunningham was the sole Democratic vote in favor of overriding the veto from Democratic Governor Josh Stein on House Bill 318. This legislation mandates that sheriffs ensure the detention of undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes for a set duration. Now, Cunningham finds herself in an unusual primary challenge and claims she is being wrongly accused.
“I don’t believe outside influences should meddle in the primary,” Cunningham shared in a discussion with the Daily Caller News Foundation, referring to Stein’s backing of her Democratic opponent. “I focus on my constituents because they elected me; they’re my first priority when considering legislation.”
“I’ve been a loyal Democrat for many years and have contributed significantly to the party,” she added. “Things have changed; other Democrats don’t shy away from supporting him in the primary like they used to.”
A spokesman for the governor did not reply to inquiries from DCNF.
North Carolina Republican leaders proposed HB 318 in early 2025, extending previous anti-sanctuary policy efforts. The bill, which requires sheriffs to detain undocumented immigrants for at least an additional 48 hours, passed through the Republican-controlled state legislature.
Governor Stein vetoed the bill, citing Fourth Amendment violations, but Republicans swiftly gained a veto-proof majority in the Senate and needed only one vote in the House to counter the governor’s opposition.
As momentum built for the override, Cunningham emerged as a focal point, having established her independent voice during her 13 years in the North Carolina State House. She received numerous calls leading up to the vote, including one from a local sheriff who opposed collaboration with ICE, which she perceived as crossing a line.
“During our conversation, he mentioned he didn’t want anything bad to happen to me. I replied, ‘I’m already under guard,’ expecting he would understand,” Cunningham recounted regarding Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden. “Because Capitol Police work with local residents. He responded with, ‘But you’re in my county.’”
Cunningham interpreted those remarks as thinly veiled threats; she promptly ended the call, reached out to her family, and sought legal counsel. The Mecklenburg Sheriff is currently under scrutiny for multiple misconduct allegations, including retaliating against an employee and conducting illicit activities involving staff.
Despite these troubling allegations, Cunningham remained resolute. She voted with Republicans in July to overturn the governor’s veto, allowing the bill to become law. But the fallout from her own party was just beginning.
Stein, upset with Cunningham’s role, pivoted to declare his support for her primary challenger, Rodney Sadler, with the primary tension around her public comments about cultural assimilation during the override vote.
“Not all cultures are equal,” Cunningham had stated before the override. “Some immigrants come under the impression they can remain isolated; they need to adapt to the culture they want to live in.” Stein later insinuated that she implied some individuals are inherently superior, which drew sharp criticism from the Charlotte Democratic Party, accusing him of spreading misinformation.
“Misinformation leads to miseducation, which is a fact,” Cunningham emphasized to DCNF. “I’m here to educate the voters.”
The moderate representative asserted that her voting record resonates with her constituents, arguing for the necessity of cooperation among law enforcement, as it contributes to community safety.
“Without the law in place, it could be complete chaos. We occasionally see that, but having a structured legal framework is essential,” she explained. “We have to abide by the law.”
“I don’t approach this from a party standpoint,” she added. “The law must be respected.”
