Nasif Majeed is 2nd Mecklenburg Democrat to leave party after primary loss
State Rep. Nasif Majeed, a Mecklenburg Democrat who lost his primary in March, is leaving the Democratic Party and will finish his term in the North Carolina House as unaffiliated.
Majeed, who represents House District 99 in northeast Charlotte, announced the switch in a statement that framed the move as a matter of “principle, transparency, and accountability” while also signaling frustrations with political practices and campaign conduct he said raised concerns about fairness.
“After deep reflection and conversations with constituents across District 99, I have made the decision to disaffiliate from the Democratic Party and serve as an Independent,” Majeed said in the statement. “This decision is rooted in my responsibility to represent people—not party agendas—and to remain grounded in integrity, fairness, and truth.”
An employee at the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections, reached by phone, confirmed that Majeed had switched his registration from Democrat to unaffiliated. It’s unclear whether Majeed will caucus with Democrats or Republicans as he finishes out his term.
Majeed said he has grown increasingly concerned with parts of the political and campaign process. He did not give specific examples or name individuals, but said his experiences left him questioning whether voters are getting the fairness and honesty they deserve.
“Our community deserves leadership that is honest, accountable, and respectful of the democratic process,” Majeed said. “I have witnessed and experienced actions within the political landscape that I believe could be perceived as misleading or inconsistent with the spirit of fair elections. I cannot, in good conscience, remain aligned where those concerns are not adequately addressed.”
Majeed’s announcement comes just days after fellow Mecklenburg lawmaker Rep. Carla Cunningham, a longtime Charlotte Democrat who also lost her primary this year, switched her affiliation to unaffiliated after a politically turbulent election cycle marked by backlash over her immigration-related votes and criticism from within her own party.
Cunningham said she left because she no longer felt party politics aligned with how she wanted to serve, saying in a public statement last week that she wanted to represent people rather than a political party. She described herself as an independent thinker and said she would not put party agendas ahead of what she believes her constituents need.
In March, Charlotte Democratic voters overwhelmingly chose challenger Veleria Levy over Majeed after months of scrutiny over his vote with Republicans to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of a bill focused on issues including gender, sexuality and religion in schools. In one of Mecklenburg’s safe Democratic districts, Majeed was defeated by more than 40 points.
House Democratic Leader Robert Reives responded to their departures in a statement Monday.
“During their years in public office Representatives Majeed and Cunningham have voted on bills according to their values and I expect they will continue to do so,” Reives said. “I value their friendship and look forward to continuing to serve with them.”
Majeed said in the statement that his policy priorities would remain consistent, saying he would continue focusing on working families, economic opportunity, public safety and affordable housing.
“This is not about division—it’s about alignment with values. I remain committed to serving with transparency, courage, and an unwavering dedication to the people of District 99 for the reminder of my tenure and beyond,” he said.
Republican House Speaker Destin Hall said in a statement he applauds Cunningham and Majeed for leaving the Democratic Party and for “putting constituents first.” “Like so many other North Carolinians, they have chosen to move on from a Democratic Party that has left them behind,” Hall said. “Both of these members have led with integrity, refusing to let political pressure dictate their convictions or undermine the interests of the people they were elected to serve, and North Carolina is better for it.”
This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 11:49 AM.
