Gov. Josh Stein’s backing sends a message in primaries

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The Rev. Rodney Sadler was endorsed by Gov. Josh Stein in his campaign to unseat N.C. Rep. Carla Cunningham in the Democratic primary.

Gov. Josh Stein’s endorsement of Democratic party loyalists in legislative primaries could determine the viability of his legislative veto.

Stein last week weighed in on races where Democrats bucked party orthodoxy to side with Republicans, including in Charlotte’s House District 106, where state Rep. Carla Cunningham faces a primary challenge from Rev. Rodney Sadler. Cunningham has supported Republican overrides, notably on immigration enforcement and environmental protections. In return, GOP leaders promoted her to committee leadership posts. In December, Stein endorsed incumbent Rep. Rodney Pierce of Halifax County, who faces a challenge by former Rep. Michael Wray, whom Pierce beat in the 2024 primary.

“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.”

Said Sadler, a community activist and first-time candidate: “It is a true honor to receive the endorsement of Gov. Josh Stein. In the N.C. House, I will stand with Gov. Stein to build a stronger North Carolina where everyone can thrive.”

Democrats are a sizable majority of District 106’s electorate, so the primary winner is virtually assured a win in November’s general election. 

Cunningham downplayed 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,” she said in a statement. “Our communities deserve leadership that listens, not intimidation, division, or political pressure. Several months ago, I made it clear to the Governor and his staff that our district will no longer accept empty promises. The needs of our families, seniors, and children are real and urgent.”

Deal-making is part of the political process as elected officials use give-and-take to win concessions for constituents or gain leverage on pet legislation. In North Carolina, where votes are cast near evenly for Democrats and Republicans, gerrymandered districts give GOP a clear legislative advantage in the General Assembly. For Stein to sustain a veto, Democrats, who can’t afford to lose a vote among their caucus, must stay in line.

“Stein’s move is about strengthening his political power,” said Thomas Mills, publisher of the Politics North Carolina newsletter and a longtime Democratic campaign operative. “Right now, Democrats in the House have a narrow one-vote margin to sustain his veto. However, several House members, including Cunningham, have sided with Republicans to override vetoes, negating the most significant power the party has in legislative politics. When he was in the legislature, Michael Wray frequently voted with Republicans to override then-Governor Roy Cooper’s veto. Stein doesn’t want that headache again.”

Cunningham, a seven-term representative, says her independence has benefited District 106, citing $23 million in state money to Mecklenburg, Medicaid expansion, more jail inspectors and an $835 million investment in mental health and substance abuts services. 

“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,” she said. “I believe in service that helps our community thrive, not partisan loyalty.”

Successful primary challenges are rare in North Carolina, but there’s precedent. Aside from Pierce beating Wray two years ago, Sen. Val Applewhite, who unseated incumbent Kirk deViere in 2022. Stein is betting his endorsement carries enough weight with voters to push out Democrats who defy the party’s legislative agenda, especially because of their thin veto margin.

“Leaders of the minority party have few enforcement measures to keep their rank-and-file members in line,” Mils said. “They can’t dole out pork or committee assignments. They have limited ability to assign offices or other perks and the ones they do have are often because of the benevolence of the majority party, which means they come with strings attached. 

“Stein is stepping up as a legislative enforcer. He’s using primaries as a tool to punish disloyalty. He’s also trying to strengthen the Democratic caucus by electing more loyal members, which, in turn, bolsters his veto power. As a minority party, Democrats’ primary job is to stop bad legislation and, in the case of a budget bill, influence spending priorities.”

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