Democratic newcomers Velaria Levy and Rodney Sadler defeated longtime incumbents in North Carolina House primaries on Tuesday. Both elected representatives, both first-time candidates, achieved landslide victories in their respective districts.
Levy defeated four-term incumbent Nasif Majeed in the 99th District with nearly 70 percent of the vote, while Sadler defeated Carla Cunningham in the 106th District.
Both winners said the results represented a mandate from voters who felt betrayed after the incumbent repeatedly voted for Republicans to override gubernatorial vetoes.
Levy defeated four-term incumbent Majid in a landslide victory in District 99, receiving nearly 70 percent of the vote. Despite her clear advantage, she noted that her campaign lacks the support of traditional Democratic power structures.
“I don’t have the endorsement of the governor. I don’t have the endorsement of the Black Political Caucus,” Levy said. “I have people. I have people who believe in what I’m saying.”
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In District 106, Sadler defeated Rep. Cunningham in a landslide. After the results came in, Sadler described a shift in the local political climate. “I feel a little relieved,” Sadler said. “I feel like things are changing in North Carolina.”
The primary challenge centers on the voting records of Majeed and Cunningham. Both incumbents have crossed the political aisle to vote with Republicans on multiple occasions, including votes to override the governor’s vetoes.
Sadler said this is deeply disappointing to voters. “I know they feel betrayed by the actions of the incumbent,” Sadler said. “I feel deeply betrayed by the actions of the incumbent.”
Levy emphasized that the election results are a reminder of who representatives are supposed to serve. She described the reaction from voters as a resolute rejection of the incumbents’ recent legislative choices.
“Yeah, it’s a no, you’re not going to do that,” Levy said. “You still work for the people, and we are the people, so we’re going to stand up and say no.”
Elected representatives said they plan to focus on affordability and health care issues when they arrive at the Capitol. Levy, who has worked in the corporate world, said her own experience with economic instability informed her perspective as she prepared to take on the role.
“I’m the people now,” Levy said. “I’m someone who’s also struggling. I have a kid in college. I had a good corporate job until I didn’t.”
Sadler highlighted the rising cost of living as a top concern among voters. He expressed a desire to seek compromise where possible while remaining firm on the needs of his district.
“I want to make sure that people can afford to pay for things like food on a regular basis and that prices don’t go up so high that they’re left out,” Sadler said.
Neither Levy nor Sadler faces a Republican challenger in the November general election. They are expected to be sworn in early next year.
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