It’s Time for Some Primary Challengers.
In 2022, Rep. Tricia Cotham won a solidly blue seat by running on a strong progressive platform. Just three months into her term, she switched parties – handing Republicans a supermajority they used to override every single one of Gov. Roy Cooper’s vetoes throughout 2023 and 2024.
So when Democrats broke the GOP supermajority in the NC House last November, it was a great relief. With unified opposition, Democrats could block veto overrides and stem the flood of extreme right-wing legislation that’s plagued our purple state.
But that’s not what happened.
Instead, in a stunning and demoralizing turn, several Democratic NC House members joined Republicans to override eight of Governor Josh Stein’s vetoes – making us less free, less safe, and less economically secure.
“The votes mark the first time in the five most recent legislative sessions when legislators have overridden a veto without one party holding a supermajority.” - Duke Chronicle
Who Betrayed Their Constituents?
Rep. Shelly Willingham (D) and Rep. Carla Cunningham (D) both assisted Republicans’ efforts to further consolidate their power, voting for a bill that creates new legislative control over agency regulations.
Rep. Willingham also voted to expand the power of newly elected rightwing Republican auditor Dave Boliek.
Rep. Willingham cast the deciding vote to override Gov. Stein’s veto of HB 193, allowing concealed carry of firearms in private schools.
Rep. Nasif Majeed (D) cast the deciding vote to override the veto of HB 805, an anti-trans and school censorship bill.
All three – Willingham, Cunningham, and Majeed – voted to allow their campaign contributor Duke Energy to jack up utility charges to consumers.
Perhaps most alarmingly, Rep. Cunningham cast the deciding vote on a bill forcing local sheriffs to cooperate with ICE – and then defended her vote with a disturbing, xenophobic rant on the House floor.
And this betrayal is likely to continue. Rep. Willingham has already promised to support another Republican veto override.
These Districts Are Deep Blue.
What has been less clear from the news coverage is how blue these districts are. Even the most conservative among them was a D+13 for Harris in 2024 – and averaged a D+20 for major races across prior years. Two of the districts are so solidly blue that Republicans didn’t bother to field a challenger.
These aren’t vulnerable Democrats concerned with keeping their seats (those Democrats all put the rights and protections of North Carolinians ahead of their own self interest). These are safe-seat representatives selling out their constituents in support of rightwing extremism.
When elected Democrats side with far-right Republicans to push regressive laws, they’re not compromising; they’re betraying. And their constituents deserve better.
Primary Challengers Needed
Each of these representatives comes from a solidly Democratic district, where voters overwhelmingly reject Republican extremism. They deserve leaders who will represent and fight for their communities.
NC House District 99 (Mecklenburg) - D+68
Current Rep: Nasif Majeed
Demographics: 47.6% Black, 26.2% White, 15.6% Hispanic, 10.4% Asian, 1.9% Native American
This Charlotte district is one of the most racially and ethnically diverse in North Carolina. Republicans did not bother to field a challenger in 2024 (although a Libertarian candidate received a small percentage of the vote).
NC House District 106 (Mecklenburg) - D+49
Current Rep: Carla Cunningham
Demographics: 46% Black, 35.9% White, 9.9% Hispanic, 8.2% Asian, 1.8% Native, 0.2% Pacific
Cunningham did not face a Republican challenger in this deeply blue district in 2024.
NC House District 23 (Bertie, Edgecombe, and Martin) - D+20
Current Rep: Shelly Willingham
Demographics: 53.4% Black, 41.7% White, 3.6% Hispanic, 1.4% Native, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific
Willingham has not faced a primary challenger since he was elected to his current seat in 2014.
Run for Something
The candidate filing period for the 2026 primary election runs from Monday, December 1, 2025 to Friday, December 19, 2025.
Who’s running?
And Just As Important: Defend Strong Democrats
While some Democrats are enabling Republican extremism, others are standing strong – and they need our support.
SUPPORT Rep. Rodney Pierce - NC House District 27 - D+25
Rep. Rodney Pierce has been a consistent, principled representative for his district. He stood strong against every Republican veto override and is a fighter for strong public education, affordable health care, and affordable housing.
But now, he’s facing a challenge from former Rep. Michael Wray – a classic DINO (Democrat in Name Only) with a long history of voting with Republicans on key issues. In 2024, Pierce beat Wray by just 34 votes in the Democratic primary. Wray is now challenging Rep. Pierce in an effort to take back the district.
This is a Democratic stronghold. Let’s keep it in the hands of a representative who acts like a Democrat.
What Can You Do?
Call out incumbents who consistently side with Republicans.
Donate to their primary challengers.
Volunteer for true Democrats like Rodney Pierce.
Talk to your neighbors – local change starts with local awareness.
Bottom Line:
✅ Primary Democrats who vote like Republicans.
✅ Protect Democrats who vote like Democrats.
✅ Reclaim the NC House for the people of North Carolina.