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Pro-LGBTQ+ Candidates Triumph in North Carolina Primary Upset

3/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Several Democrats who aligned with Republicans were defeated in North Carolina's recent primary, signaling growing Democratic enthusiasm on LGBTQ+ issues.
Rep. Carla Cunningham lost to pro-LGBTQ+ candidate Rev. Rodney Sadler, earning 22% of the vote.
Rep. Nasif Majeed trailed with 27% as Veleria Levy won 69% after backing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
Rep. Shelly Willingham was projected to lose to Patricia Smith by about 12 percentage points.

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Story summary

Several Democrats who aligned with Republicans were defeated in North Carolina's recent primary, signaling growing Democratic enthusiasm on LGBTQ+ issues.
Rep. Carla Cunningham lost to pro-LGBTQ+ candidate Rev. Rodney Sadler, earning 22% of the vote.
Rep. Nasif Majeed trailed with 27% as Veleria Levy won 69% after backing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
Rep. Shelly Willingham was projected to lose to Patricia Smith by about 12 percentage points.