In more potentially bad news for Democrats in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, where Charlotte sits, a state representative announced that he is leaving the Democratic Party, switching from the Democrats to being an independent because of how radical the party has gotten in recent years.
That Democrat’s name is Nasif Majeed. He represents North Carolina’s District 99 in the North Carolina House of Representatives, and announced on Monday, April 27, that he had decided to change his party affiliation. He is the second such Mecklenburg County Democrat to ditch the party and become an independent in recent weeks.
Speaking in a media press release about his decision to switch parties and why he made it, Majeed explained that he wants to better represent his constituents, and that the radical drift of the party has made it the wrong vehicle for doing so. Beginning that media statement, he explained, “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.”
Continuing, the formerly Democratic representative spoke about how he sees it as his duty to represent his constituents and their views, not just a party agenda, saying, “This decision is rooted in my responsibility to represent people — not party agendas — and to remain grounded in integrity, fairness, and truth.”
Then, adding to that yet further, he argued that the party has acted in a way with which he cannot agree and that he is thus not wanting to participate any longer, saying, “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.”
Yet further, the Democrat explained that he will not remain part of the party until its unethical behavior is satisfactorily addressed and corrected. He said, “I cannot, in good conscience, remain aligned where those concerns are not adequately addressed.”
Majeed isn’t the only Mecklenburg County Democrat to ditch the party in recent days. Doing so on April 24 was Carla Cunningham, who currently represents District 106 in the state legislature. She also left after losing her primary election race. Commenting on her decision to switch affiliations, she said, “It’s not beneficial for me to line up behind a party agenda. What’s beneficial to my constituents is that I serve them and prioritize what their needs are.”
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North Carolina House Democratic leader Robert Reives issued a statement on April 27 in which he commented on the party changes for both Cunningham and Majeed. Reives said, “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 added, “I value their friendship and look forward to continuing to serve with them.”
Celebrating the move online, the Libs of TikTok account posted, “North Carolina State Rep Nasif Majeed has LEFT the Democratic Party. ‘I didn’t leave the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party left me’, he told CBS.”