North Carolina House Primaries Spotlight Immigration, Healthcare, and Other Key Issues

Candidates advocate for 'sanctuary zones,' protecting immigrant communities, and supporting small businesses

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The upcoming March 3rd primary elections in North Carolina are shaping up to be a battleground for candidates vying for seats in the state House of Representatives. Recent forums have highlighted diverging approaches to immigration policy, particularly in Mecklenburg County, home to a significant Latino electorate. Candidates are advocating for the creation of 'ICE-free zones' within schools and churches, protecting immigrant communities, and supporting immigrant-owned small businesses.

Why it matters

These debates reflect broader trends in North Carolina, with increased scrutiny of immigration enforcement practices and a growing awareness of the contributions of immigrant communities. The focus on 'sanctuary zones' and protecting places of worship highlights a demand for local solutions to address federal immigration policies, while the emphasis on supporting immigrant-owned businesses underscores the economic importance of these communities.

The details

Reverend Rodney Sadler, a candidate for the District 106 seat (representing areas of Northlake in Charlotte), is advocating for the creation of 'ICE-free zones' within schools and churches to shield vulnerable communities from immigration enforcement activities. Sadler emphasized the need to protect non-citizens, ensuring children feel safe at school and individuals can practice their faith without fear of intervention from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). In the District 99 race (northeast Charlotte), Veleria M. Levy has publicly committed to protecting immigrant communities and opposing federal overreach, while her opponent, Nasif Majeed, has been criticized for a perceived lack of action and engagement with these communities. Kelly VanHorn, running for the District 105 seat, is focusing on the intersection of immigrant rights and economic opportunity, highlighting the importance of community solidarity and the need to review business regulations to better support immigrant-owned small businesses.

  • The March 3rd primary elections in North Carolina are shaping up to be a key battleground for candidates vying for seats in the state House of Representatives.
  • A forum hosted by the Freedom Center for Social Justice and the Carolina Migrant Network (CMN) on February 10th highlighted diverging approaches to immigration policy.

The players

Reverend Rodney Sadler

A candidate for the District 106 seat (representing areas of Northlake in Charlotte), advocating for the creation of 'ICE-free zones' within schools and churches to shield vulnerable communities from immigration enforcement activities.

Veleria M. Levy

A candidate for the District 99 seat (northeast Charlotte), who has publicly committed to protecting immigrant communities and opposing federal overreach.

Nasif Majeed

Veleria M. Levy's opponent in the District 99 race, who has been criticized for a perceived lack of action and engagement with immigrant communities.

Kelly VanHorn

A candidate for the District 105 seat, focusing on the intersection of immigrant rights and economic opportunity, highlighting the importance of community solidarity and the need to review business regulations to better support immigrant-owned small businesses.

Carolina Migrant Network (CMN)

A local organization playing a crucial role in advocating for immigrant rights and providing legal representation, offering free legal assistance to individuals in detention centers and providing community organizing support.

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What they’re saying

“We cannot treat immigrant communities as if they are inferior… We cannot position them at risk.”

— Reverend Rodney Sadler, Candidate for District 106 (newsy-today.com)

“You can trust that your representative will be on your side when no one else is around.”

— Veleria M. Levy, Candidate for District 99 (newsy-today.com)

“We cannot position them at risk.”

— Reverend Rodney Sadler, Candidate for District 106 (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The debates surrounding these primary elections reflect broader trends in North Carolina, and the focus on 'sanctuary zones' and protecting places of worship highlights a growing demand for local solutions to address federal immigration policies.

The takeaway

These primary elections in North Carolina showcase the importance of immigrant rights and economic opportunities for immigrant communities, with candidates advocating for 'sanctuary zones,' protecting vulnerable populations, and supporting immigrant-owned small businesses. The emphasis on these issues reflects a shifting landscape in the state, where local solutions are being sought to address federal immigration policies.