Carla Cunningham

Carla D. Cunningham (born January 12, 1962) is an American politician. She has served as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives from the 106th district since 2013.^[1][2] Cunningham is a Democrat.

She was born in Wadesboro, North Carolina, and graduated from Anson High School in 1980.^[3] She earned a diploma in nursing from Central Piedmont Community College in 1981, an associate's degree in nursing from Gaston College in 1996, and a bachelor's of science in nursing from Winston-Salem State University in 2009.^[3] She practiced nursing for more than 30 years.^[3]

Legislative career and policy priorities

Since entering the General Assembly,^[4] Cunningham has focused her legislative efforts on improving healthcare access,^[5] healthcare affordability, health and substance use services, supporting children and families, and strengthening community nonprofit and educational supports.^[6]

Championing the expansion of Medicaid in North Carolina:^[7] In her press announcement she noted that after more than a decade of advocacy the state budget included Medicaid expansion benefiting an estimated 600,000 people previously without coverage.

Securing funding for local nonprofits and community organizations: She played a role in the 2023 budget that included ~$14 million for nonprofits across her district and other North Carolina communities.

Sponsoring legislation to address school lunch debt (HB 509)^[8] and local jail conditions (HB 380) by negotiating for additional inspectors and reducing burdens on families.

Introducing bills on youth mental-health first aid, student lifeline supports and local land-use reform.

Cunningham^[5] serves on several significant legislative committees,^[9] including Appropriations, Health (where she has served as Vice Chair) and Energy & Public Utilities. During COVID Pandemic Carla ^[5] served as a chair on the Select COVID health group in the House. She also served as member in state advisory councils such as the NC Minority Health Advisory Council^[10] and the NC Council on Sickle Cell Syndrome.^[11] Currently Carla serve on the NC Child Fatality Task Force ^[12] and the SHCC ^[13](State Health Coordinating Council) and on the JLOC (Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services^[14]) as a co-chair.