Interim Charlotte mayor application period closes, more than 100 people apply

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The effort to become Charlotte’s interim mayor is drawing major interest. A total of 114 people submitted applications before Tuesday’s deadline to replace retiring Mayor Vi Lyles. City leaders are expected to narrow that list to just a handful of contenders in the coming weeks. The city clerk will screen the applications to ensure each candidate meets the requirements as a registered democrat who lives in Charlotte.

Of the 114 people on the list, there are college students and seasoned politicians. The list includes 93 men and 21 women. One person will be selected by council to finish the last 17 months of Lyles’ term.

Each candidate that meets the requirements will get three minutes to talk to council in a forum Monday.

Current and past elected officials who want the job include Charlotte City council member James Mitchell, former Mayor Jennifer Roberts, State Senator Caleb Theodros and former City Council member and Mecklenburg County Commissioner Harold Cogdell.

Action NC surveyed more than 300 people who revealed what they want to see in their next mayor. Survey results showed the people want someone who is transparent, community centered, independent from developer influence, and committed to equity in housing, wages, and public investment.
The applicant who is selected will not be able to run for mayor in 2027.