North Carolina governor backs challenger of sitting Democrat in Charlotte-area primary

An incumbent Democrat in North Carolina’s state legislature will seek reelection without support from the state’s Democratic governor.

Gov. Josh Stein is endorsing Rodney Sadler in his campaign against state Rep. Carla Cunningham in the Democratic primary to represent northern Mecklenburg County. The move is part of a broader effort to stop Republican-authored legislation.

Republicans control the state House of Representatives and the state Senate. But the GOP doesn’t have enough members to override gubernatorial vetoes without help from Democrats. Cunningham, who is seeking an eighth term, lost favor with some Democrats last year after voting with Republicans to override some of Stein’s vetoes.

“I am proud to stand with Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler in his campaign to put people first,” Stein said in a statement. “The people of North Charlotte deserve a representative who will fight for Democratic values, defend our public schools, and keep costs down. Rev. Dr. Sadler will help us build a North Carolina where we can all afford to thrive.”

Cunningham responded to Stein’s endorsement with a statement that highlights her record of helping to secure resources for Mecklenburg County’s nonprofits and community organizations, as well as Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the state.

“While I respect the office [Stein] holds, the principle of separation of powers exists for a reason — to ensure balance and keep government accountable to the people, not personal agendas,” Cunningham said. “I’ve spent years delivering results for our communities. I will continue fighting for the 106th District — not for a political agenda, but for the people I serve.”

Sadler is a pastor who touts his experience advocating for vulnerable North Carolinians at the state legislature, often as part of a series of regular protests of the Republican-controlled General Assembly. Sadler said he is running to support public schools and improve affordability — areas where he accuses Cunningham of falling short. 

Sadler noted Cunningham’s support for Senate Bill 266, which reshapes how Duke Energy and other utilities allocate costs. Under the new law, large commercial and industrial customers are expected to pay less toward “purchased power” and fuel costs, while households will likely pay more. Republican leaders said the new law gives Duke Energy the flexibility it needs to keep rates stable.

Sadler also cited Cunningham’s support for Senate Bill 254, which shifted oversight of charter schools away from the state superintendent of public instruction and State Board of Education to a board largely appointed by GOP state lawmakers. Cunningham voted to override Stein’s vetoes of both bills.

“In the NC House, I will stand with Gov. Stein to build a stronger North Carolina where everyone can thrive,” Sadler said in a statement. 

Stein isn’t the first North Carolina governor to endorse someone challenging an incumbent legislator from his own party. 

Former Gov. Roy Cooper endorsed state Rep. Val Applewhite in her bid to 2022 defeat former state Rep. Democrat Kirk DeViere, who at times voted with Republicans.