Gov. Josh Stein endorses Charlotte NC Rep. Carla Cunningham’s challenger
Gov. Josh Stein is siding against State Rep. Carla Cunningham in her reelection bid, endorsing a first-time candidate who is trying to unseat the seven-term Charlotte Democrat.
In a statement Monday, Stein endorsed Rodney Sadler, a Charlotte pastor and community advocate who is challenging Cunningham in the Democratic primary. Cunningham represents North Carolina’s 106th District, which covers parts of north Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.
“I am proud to stand with Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler in his campaign to put people first,” Stein said in a news release. “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.”
Stein’s decision to back a challenger over an incumbent from his own party comes after Cunningham, a longtime Charlotte Democrat first elected in 2012, sided with Republicans on multiple veto override votes. Last year she was the only Democrat to vote with Republicans to overturn Stein’s veto of House Bill 318, which requires sheriffs to hold some people in local jails so federal immigration agents can take custody of them. That vote, and her comments defending it, have drawn criticism from immigrant advocates and Democrats.
On the House floor, Cunningham said “all cultures are not equal” and urged immigrants to assimilate into the dominant culture, a statement that drew backlash from immigration advocates and Democrats who said the language was offensive and divisive.
At a subsequent town hall, she stood by her vote and remarks, telling constituents she was “being authentic” and speaking her truth, even as the crowd voiced disapproval. In later comments, Cunningham told WFAE she would change specific wording she used about cultures if given another chance, clarifying that she did not intend to suggest any culture has less value, though she still defended her vote on the bill. On Sunday, Cunningham apologized for her comments but did not say if she wishes she voted differently.
Cunningham responded with a written statement following Stein’s endorsement.
“While I respect the office he 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. “My career has been dedicated to improving lives across North Carolina and ensuring every voice is heard — not silenced to serve one politician’s goals. I believe in service that helps our community thrive, not partisan loyalty.”
She pointed to what she described as her record of bringing funding and services to Mecklenburg County, saying she has secured millions of dollars for local projects, supported nonprofit organizations, backed Medicaid expansion and mental-health investments, worked on eliminating school lunch debt, and pushed for additional jail oversight. She said she intends to continue “fighting for the 106th District” regardless of political pressure.
“What has the Governor — or my opponent — actually done for the 106th District?” she wrote. “My record is clear and speaks for itself.”
Sadler, who entered the race in September, has focused on issues such as affordability, safety, public schools and healthcare, according to the news release.
“It is a true honor to receive the endorsement of Gov. Josh Stein,” Sadler said in response to Stein’s announcement. “In the NC House, I will stand with Gov. Stein to build a stronger North Carolina where everyone can thrive.”
Sadler’s campaign says he has raised more than $100,000 and has secured endorsements from labor groups such as the hospitality workers’ union UNITE HERE and more than 20 local leaders.
Another challenger, Vermanno Bowman, also is running in the Democratic primary and previously challenged Cunningham in 2024.
The Charlotte Observer reached out to Cunningham’s campaign for comment. The March 3 primary will determine who advances to the November general election in the heavily Democratic district.
This story was originally published January 5, 2026 at 11:32 AM with the headline "Gov. Josh Stein endorses Charlotte NC Rep. Carla Cunningham’s challenger."
