And then there were five: Charlotte City Council narrows interim mayoral applicants

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte is one step closer to choosing its next mayor. After hearing pitches from dozens of applicants, Charlotte City Council has narrowed a field of more than 100 applicants to five finalists in the search to replace outgoing Mayor Vi Lyles.

The finalists include Mayor Pro Tem James Mitchell, former Mecklenburg County Commissioner Harold Cogdell, community leader Carrie Cook, Attorney Robert Harrington, and State Senator Caleb Theodros.

Charlotte City Councilwoman Kimberly Owens spoke to WCCB about conflict of interest concerns with Councilman Mitchell. He’s under consideration for the spot, while also involved in the process. Owens says, “To be candid, if I were Mayor Pro Tem, I would be withdrawing because if I wanted to win, I would want to do it without a shadow of a doubt that it was a fair process. So we differ on that.”

Council members are expected to conduct final interviews before making their selection on June 22. The person chosen will be sworn in July 1 and will serve as Charlotte’s mayor until voters elect a successor in 2027.