ANOTHER elected Democrat leaves party in North Carolina



They're starting to fall like dominoes in North Carolina.

A second North Carolina state representative from Mecklenburg County, Rep. Nasif Majeed, has officially left the Democratic Party. Last week, news broke that state Rep. Carla Cunningham had changed her voter registration to "unaffiliated."

'I have witnessed and experienced actions within the political landscape that I believe could be perceived as misleading or inconsistent with the spirit of fair elections.'

On Monday, Majeed confirmed that he has followed suit.

"After deep reflection and conversations with constituents across District 99, I have made the decision to disaffiliate from the Democratic Party and serve as an Independent," he said in a press release, according to WBTV.

"This decision is rooted in my responsibility to represent people — not party agendas — and to remain grounded in integrity, fairness, and truth," he added.

"I have witnessed and experienced actions within the political landscape that I believe could be perceived as misleading or inconsistent with the spirit of fair elections. I cannot, in good conscience, remain aligned where those concerns are not adequately addressed."

Like Cunningham, Majeed is viewed as a more conservative Democrat, voting to override vetoes from Democratic Gov. Josh Stein. Cunningham voted to override a veto of the Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act, while Majeed voted to override the veto of a bill condemned by LGBTQ+ activists because it formally recognizes only two genders.

Both of those veto-overrides were successful, and the bills are now law in North Carolina.

RELATED: Elected Democrat leaves party after standing up for Americans over illegal aliens

Also like Cunningham, Majeed lost his re-election bid last month when he was trounced in the Democratic primary for the District 99 seat. Challenger Valeria Levy garnered 69% of the vote to Majeed's paltry 26%.

Majeed has represented District 99 since 2019. Cunningham has represented District 106 since 2013. Both will serve out their terms but will be unable to run as an independent candidate for their respective districts in November.

North Carolina House Democratic Leader Robert Reives suggested he harbors no hard feelings over the defections.

"During their years in public office Representatives Majeed and Cunningham have voted on bills according to their values and I expect they will continue to do so," Reives said in a statement released Monday, according to NC Newsline. "I value their friendship and look forward to continuing to serve with them."

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Trump Forces Departure of Chinese Solar Firm Roy Cooper Lured to North Carolina With Tax Incentives

A Chinese solar company whose wholly owned American subsidiary won millions of dollars in tax incentives from former North Carolina governor Roy Cooper (D.) in 2024 is now seeking a full exit from its U.S. business in what one domestic advocacy group said is the direct result of President Donald Trump’s trade policies.

The post Trump Forces Departure of Chinese Solar Firm Roy Cooper Lured to North Carolina With Tax Incentives appeared first on .

Elected Democrat leaves party after standing up for Americans over illegal aliens



An elected state representative in North Carolina is no longer a registered Democrat after she crossed the aisle to vote with Republicans on immigration.

Last week, news broke that state Rep. Carla Cunningham was no longer registered as a Democrat. She had represented the Democratic Party in office since she was first elected to the 106th Congressional District seat in 2012. Cunningham then confirmed in a statement that she "came to realize" that she wants "to serve the people, not a party."

'All cultures are not equal.'

"Being an independent thinker does not align with party politics, and I will never compromise the needs of my constituents to satisfy a political agenda," her statement continued, according to the Charlotte Observer.

Cunningham's voter registration now says she is "UNA," or unaffiliated.

In the last year, Cunningham has faced considerable criticism after making a speech on the floor of the North Carolina House in favor of American citizens over illegal aliens and other immigrants.

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

"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," she continued.

During the fiery speech, Cunningham noted that some immigrants come from cultures that are incompatible with the American way of life. "All cultures are not equal," she said, adding that she would still "welcome" those immigrants who "want to adapt to [our] country, not isolate yourself, and come here legally."

RELATED: Loud-mouthed former Democrat mayor tries to resurrect political career in a new state — and a new party

Nevertheless, Cunningham voted with Republicans that month to override a veto from Democrat Gov. Josh Stein on the Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act. Her vote appears to be based on principle, as it was not needed for the veto override to pass the House, which passed the override overwhelmingly, 72-48. The state Senate likewise passed the override by a sizeable margin, 30-19.

Cunningham, who is black, claimed that she was accused of racism on account of that vote. "Yes, I was degraded for my vote. Yes, I was called racist for my vote. And yes, I was said I was trash," she stated during her floor speech.

Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden (D) even allegedly threatened Cunningham over that vote. In January, Cunningham joined others in filing a petition to recall McFadden, claiming that McFadden warned her not to vote to override the veto — or else.

McFadden called Cunningham and claimed that people would "come after" her if she voted to override it, Cunningham claimed in a sworn affidavit. "I don’t want to see you get hurt; you live in my county," he added, according to Cunningham, who took those alleged statements as a threat masked as concern.

McFadden did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Blaze News.

Despite the allegations against him, McFadden effectively won re-election in March after he sailed through the Democrat primary and now faces no opposition in the general election in November.

Cunningham, however, did not fare well in the March primary. After seven terms in office, she lost her Democrat primary race to Rev. Rodney Sadler, who carried the day with nearly 70% of the vote. With no Republican or independent candidates in the race, Sadler will win the seat in November.

Blaze News was curious whether Cunningham has given any thought to running for political office again, perhaps as an independent or even a Republican. However, her office did not respond to a request for comment.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

'Monster' guidance counselor admits to sexually abusing underage girl; promised to leave husband and kids for victim: Police



A former North Carolina guidance counselor faces decades in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing an underage girl, according to police. The ex-school staffer reportedly promised the victim that she would leave her family to be with her.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation said in a statement that an investigation was launched in February 2024 regarding accusations that a school guidance counselor was involved in an improper relationship with a student.

'A predator was lurking behind the walls of the counseling office, waiting for a victim.'

The investigation resulted in the arrest of 31-year-old Jessica Patrick Finley, a guidance counselor and volleyball coach at McDowell County High School.

Finley was charged with eight counts of indecent liberties with a child, six counts of statutory sex offense with a child, one count of sex act with a student, and one count of offenses involving a child under the age of 15.

"In April 2025, Finley declined a plea agreement and chose to proceed toward trial," the press release read.

On Thursday, Finley pleaded guilty to all charges in superior court.

A judge sentenced Finley to a minimum of 28 years and four months and a maximum of 40 years and six months in prison, police said.

At the time of sentencing, Finley already had served 778 days in jail, according to McDowell News.

Finley is required to pay a fine of $30,000 and register as a sex offender upon release.

RELATED: Special-ed teacher accused of sexually assaulting students in her home, giving them alcohol; 1 victim said he 'felt trapped'

The victim — now 17 years old — explained to the court that she originally sought counseling for anxiety and depression before her relationship with Finley began, according to McDowell News.

"I was seeking help during a time when I felt alone, and she took advantage of that," the victim said in court.

The victim knew the guidance counselor because Finley was a volleyball coach and the student played volleyball, according to McDowell News.

“A predator was lurking behind the walls of the counseling office, waiting for a victim,” the teen's older sister said in court, adding that "a day does not go by that we do not wonder what we could have done to prevent this nightmare for my sister."

The victim’s mother told the courtroom, "We would have beat the door hinges off that building to save her from that monster" and that "children are off limits. Period. No excuses and no exceptions."

A sobbing Finley told the court, "I would just like to say I am so sorry for my actions and the things I have caused, for pain I have caused, for the Carter family, my family, and my own children."

The McDowell News reported that Finley's attorney, Christopher Rumfelt, argued that Finley was suffering from postpartum depression and having marital issues around the time of the sexual abuse.

Rumfelt conceded regarding Finley, "This will follow her until the day she dies. She understands that and accepts that."

Officials with McDowell Public Schools confirmed to WHNS-TV that Finley resigned in February 2024, once the school district was made aware of the child sex crime allegations.

WLOS-TV obtained warrants revealing that Finley had sexual conversations through text messages with the 14-year-old student.

"Finley and (Minor Child 1) discussed details of their sexual encounters, as well as acts they wanted to perform on each other in the future," the warrants stated.

McDowell News reported, "Finley also had phone sex with the victim on one occasion."

The victim told investigators that Finley performed sexual acts on her on multiple occasions in Finley's guidance counselor's office at McDowell High School, according to WLOS.

Finley also told the underage girl that she would leave her family for her, according to warrants.

"Finley made statements to (Minor Child 1) regarding Finley leaving her husband and children to be with (Minor Child 1)," the warrants said.

The teen told investigators that she thought she was dating Finley, WLOS reported.

McDowell News reported, "The victim said she tried multiple times to stop seeing Finley. The victim said anytime she tried to stop the interactions, Finley would threaten to quit her job or kill herself."

The news outlet added that the victim said she felt trapped by the fear of being held responsible for Finley’s death.

Shanon Smith, a captain at the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office at the time of the crimes being reported, told McDowell News that Finley's father had been a deputy with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, and Finley's mother had worked with McDowell CrimeStoppers.

With a potential conflict of interest, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office handed over the investigation to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

McDowell Public Schools did not immediately respond to Blaze News' request for comment.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

School Board Member Refuses To Resign After ‘Satanic’ Islam Post Sparks Fury
play icon

School Board Member Refuses To Resign After ‘Satanic’ Islam Post Sparks Fury

'Have you read the Quran at all?'

On the Couch With Kamala Harris

CHARLOTTE—Kamala Harris is technically still on tour promoting 107 Days, her critically panned campaign memoir that came out almost seven months ago. Copies of the book adorn the stage at Ovens Auditorium, but no one wants to hear her rehash petty grievances from a lost election in what feels like the distant past. Maybe that explains the empty seats.

The post On the Couch With Kamala Harris appeared first on .

Early red flag for GOP? Democrats rack up massive Q1 fundraising hauls



The first-quarter campaign fundraising total for the 2026 midterms reveals that House and Senate Democratic candidates have picked up significant early momentum, potentially spelling trouble for Republicans as more primary elections approach.

At least one Democratic candidate raised more than a Republican in Georgia, North Carolina, Maine, Michigan, Ohio, Texas, New Hampshire, and Alaska, Punchbowl News reported.

'There's no way for Republicans to spin this: Their candidates are getting crushed.'

Texas state Rep. James Talarico (D) raised $27.1 million, breaking a record for the largest amount for a Senate candidate in any state. Talarico's fundraising significantly outpaced his potential opponents. Sen. John Cornyn (R) raised $9 million, and Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) raised $2.2 million.

Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff (D) raised $14 million during the first quarter. The incumbent's fundraising far outpaced that of Republicans hoping to unseat him. Rep. Mike Collins (R) raised just over $1 million, and Rep. Buddy Carter (R) raised just $470,000.

In Ohio, former Sen. Sherrod Brown (D) is hoping to defeat Republican incumbent Sen. Jon Husted. Brown raised $10.1 million in the first quarter, while Husted brought in $2.9 million.

Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) is running against Michael Whatley (R) and three other candidates to secure retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis’ seat. Cooper raised $13.8 million in the first quarter, while Whatley raised $5 million.

RELATED: 'Record' cash advantage gives GOP upper hand in state AG races

James Talarico. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

House Democratic challengers also raised significant funds in the first few months of the year.

In Arizona, JoAnna Mendoza (D) raised over $2.3 million, among the highest reported by a Democratic House candidate. Mendoza's opponent, incumbent Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R), raised $1.1 million.

In Wisconsin, Democratic candidate Rebecca Cooke is looking to oust incumbent Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R). Cooke raised $2.4 million, while Van Orden raised $1.3 million.

"Of course, this is only part of the picture. Candidates are now using joint fundraising committees to air TV ads. Super PACs will play a big role," Punchbowl News reported. "GOP Rep. Ashley Hinson did raise the most in Iowa's open Senate race. And Democratic primaries will drain some resources."

"But there's no way for Republicans to spin this: Their candidates are getting crushed," the outlet stated.

RELATED: 'We have a glaring disadvantage': Democrats panic as GOP dominates in fundraising, NYT reports

Visions of America/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

While Punchbowl News insisted it was all doom and gloom for Republican candidates, the National Republican Congressional Committee saw the Q1 funding results as a win for the GOP.

"Republicans are LAPPING Democrats in fundraising & building a war chest they can't match," the NRCC wrote in a post on X, adding that the GOP "outraised, outworked, [and] outmatched" their Democratic counterparts.

Mike Marinella, the national press secretary for the NRCC, stated, "Once again, and for every single quarter this campaign cycle, @NRCC Patriots have outraised [the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee] Frontliners."

"House Republicans have the momentum on our side, and the money proves it," he wrote.

Federal Election Commission reporting showed that Democratic Senate candidates have raised $368 million for their 2026 races, compared to $324 million raised by Republicans. Democratic House candidates collected $691 million, while Republicans raised $578 million.

Some of the most prominent names in Republican political consulting did not respond to a request for comment on this story.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Republicans receive another grim midterm forecast



Democrats and Republicans alike are eyeing the home stretch before the 2026 primaries, but the latest forecast suggests the GOP is facing a major disadvantage.

Republicans have enjoyed a supermajority following the 2024 election after Americans elected President Donald Trump back to the White House and the GOP took back the Senate and maintained its narrow House majority. The electoral forecast is now indicating that the pendulum will swing back in favor of Democrats, with four key races shifting away from Republicans.

None of the Democrat-held seats seem to be leaning Republican.

The Cook Political Report was initially tracking Senate races for Georgia, which is held by incumbent Democrat Jon Ossoff, and North Carolina, which is held by retiring Republican Thom Tillis, as toss-ups that could go either way. The same report also had the Ohio Senate race leaning Republican and the Nebraska Senate race as a solid Republican rating.

As of Monday, all of these races have shifted in favor of Democrats.

RELATED: Democrats’ latest victory in deep-red Mar-a-Lago district offers bleak midterm forecast

Kent Nishimura/Getty Images

The toss-up races in North Carolina and Georgia have both shifted to leaning Democrat, and Ohio, which is held by Republican incumbent Sen. Jon Husted, has changed to a toss-up race. The seat of Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts of Nebraska is still rated likely GOP, but nonetheless there is an evident electoral shift away from Republicans.

None of the Democrat-held seats seem to be leaning Republican. Michigan's Senate seat, which is held by retiring Democrat Gary Peters, is rated as a toss-up. Maine's Senate seat, held by Republican Susan Collins, is also notably rated a toss-up.

Republicans currently hold 53 seats and can afford to lose a maximum of just two Senate seats in order to maintain their majority, though Vice President JD Vance could always break any tie votes.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Chick-fil-A worker on why he didn't keep $10K cash left in restroom: 'That's not what Jesus would've done'



Chick-fil-A employee Jaydon Cintron told WITN-TV he was taking his break on Good Friday morning when he found two white envelopes in the men's restroom at the restaurant in Kinston, North Carolina. Kinston is about 90 minutes southeast of Raleigh.

“They were on the floor next to the toilet. My first thought was just like, ... OK, no, this isn’t happening,” Cintron told WITN. “Something is wrong.”

'Money is useless without character.'

But it was happening — and something most definitely was wrong for the person to whom the envelopes belonged.

Return to sender

You see, one envelope was labeled First Citizens Bank, and it contained $5,000; the other envelope was labeled Truist Bank, and it contained $4,333, the station said.

And how did Cintron react?

He told the station he simply picked up the envelopes and brought them to human resources.

A WITN reporter asked the 18-year-old why he didn't keep the cash for himself.

Cintron replied to the station with the following: "That's not what Jesus would've done. That's not what God would've wanted."

RELATED: The secret to Chick-fil-A's success has nothing to do with chicken

'True integrity'

Cintron added to WITN that his faith guides his thought process: "Money is useless without character."

Kinston Police Chief Keith Goyette told the station that "a lot of people will unfortunately take that money and run with it. But kudos to that employee at Chick-fil-A. [He] definitely deserves an award."

John McPhaul, owner of the Kinston Chick-fil-A, noted to WITN that Cintron embodies the restaurant's principles: "True leadership, true integrity is doing the right thing when no one's watching. And Jay did that in this case, and he should be commended for it."

The station said the restaurant tried to search security video in an attempt to identify the owner of the money but had no luck.

However, Chief Goyette told WITN the owner of the money came forward Monday morning to claim the $9,333.

It's own reward

Cintron revealed to the station that the owner of the money approached him and offered him a $500 reward for his good deed, but Cintron initially declined and told the man he expected no reward for what his faith told him was the right thing to do.

"I don't want anything out of this," Cintron told the station, adding, "I did this because that's what Jesus would do."

WITN noted that after declining the reward multiple times, the teenager finally accepted it — and numerous viewers agreed that Cintron deserves all the recognition he's receiving.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

2 Quietly Run Democratic Senate Races Should Be On Your Midterm Radar

The final two years of Trump's term would be completely derailed by Democrats.