Career
Prior to that, Cunningham served in the Washington House of Representatives from 1973–1975, and in the Washington Senate from 1975-1977. Cunningham was elected as a Republican to the seventh district vacancy in a special election when United States. Representative Brock Adams resigned to become Secretary of Transportation. However his victory in this extremely liberal district was more the result of confusion with Adams resignation.
Cunningham lost reelection in 1978, and served from May 17, 1977 - January 3, 1979.
