Reps. Cunningham, Majeed, Willingham Defeated; Rep. Pierce Defeats Wray in Rematch
RALEIGH, N.C. — Last night, the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters (NCLCV) – through Conservation Votes PAC (CVP), its independent expenditure PAC – defeated three Democrat lawmakers who voted to raise energy bills and helped retain one seat for an environmental champion incumbent. With an investment of over half a million dollars, CVP made its largest investment ever in a primary election.
In unofficial results, CVP supported candidates who defeated Representatives Carla Cunningham (H.D. 106), Nasif Majeed (H.D. 99), and Shelley Willingham (HD23). Each of these legislators voted to overturn the Governor Josh Stein’s veto of Senate Bill 266, raising energy bills for hardworking North Carolinians, and rolling back an important climate target goal. These legislators were the lowest scoring Democrats in NCLCV’s 2025 environmental scorecard.
“Voters had a clear message last night: prioritize hardworking families and lower energy bills,” said Dan Crawford, Senior Director of Public Affairs. “Representatives Cunningham, Majeed, and Willingham voted to raise energy bills and push pause on climate action. Turns out voters don’t like that. Voters want clean, affordable energy – not greedy, dirty Duke Energy.
“It is time lawmakers quit the political games and start delivering for hardworking North Carolinians. May these results stand as a reminder to lawmakers this short session: voters see how you vote, and they will hold you accountable. NCLCV will make sure of it.
“We look forward to working with the presumed winning candidates to ensure a cleaner, safer, and more affordable North Carolina for all.”
Additionally, in unofficial results, the CVP helped Representative Rodney Pierce (HD27) maintain his seat and defeat sore loser Michael Wray. The CVP was instrumental in Pierce’s first victory, as well as securing his seat after Wray contested the election without evidence.
“Voters are quite pleased with Representative Pierce’s leadership,” said Crawford. “He received a perfect score on NCLCV’s 2025 environmental scorecard. We congratulate him on his decisive victory, and look forward to working with him to deliver environmental wins for his constituents and for folks across our state.”
###
