North Carolina Democrat Quits Party, Votes With GOP on Illegal Immigration: ‘It’s Time to Wake Up’

A longtime North Carolina lawmaker has formally broken with the Democrats after siding with Republicans on a contentious immigration vote, underscoring growing divisions within the party on enforcement and border policy.

State Rep. Carla Cunningham (D-NC) confirmed she is no longer registered as a Democrat.

Cunningham changed her affiliation to unaffiliated after more than a decade in office.

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Rep. Carla Cunningham (D-NC), who has represented the state’s 106th District since 2012, said the decision came after reevaluating her role as a legislator.

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Her voter registration now lists her as “UNA,” or unaffiliated.

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The shift follows a high-profile clash over immigration policy last year.

Cunningham delivered a forceful speech on the North Carolina House floor, prioritizing American citizens over illegal aliens.

“If you ask me to line up behind another group of people to raise awareness about their plight, I unapologetically say no,” she said.

“It’s time to wake up.

“We must establish new rules to address a distinct type of migration that we are facing in our country, state, and cities.

“It’s time to turn the conveyor belt off.”

Cunningham also argued that assimilation should be a requirement for immigration.

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That same month, Cunningham voted with Republicans to override a veto from Democrat Gov. Josh Stein on the Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act.

Her vote was not required for the override to pass, but drew sharp backlash from fellow Democrats.

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