Charlotte mayoral applicants explain why they want the job

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte City Council is one step closer to appointing the next mayor. Thirty two people who want the job introduced themselves to the council Monday afternoon. There were serious candidates with public service and leadership experience, others put on a show.

“I don’t have the government experience of the esteemed panel before me. But what I do have are big ideas,” Zach Claywell, mayoral candidate said.

Each candidate had two minutes to tell council why they should be selected.

“We must ensure our city remains affordable, accessible, safe, and full of opportunity for all of our residents,” Yara Al Bayyari, mayoral applicant said.

Qualified applicants were registered democrats over the age of 21 living in Charlotte City limits. The applicant pool includes some people with political experience.

“I love serving in the North Carolina Senate, but Charlotte is home right now. Our city needs someone who can connect to the city, who can connect to Raleigh, the General Assembly our neighborhoods, to the city staff, and the residents,” Caleb Theodros, NC State Senator from District 41 said.

There were also candidates who haven’t held public office, but noted their leadership experience in other roles.

“We have incredible momentum to continue building a world-class city, and with that, there remains opportunity,” Carrie Cook, mayoral applicant said. “Trust, transparency, and execution are critical in this moment and in this moment, you must have the right experience. So this is what I’m offering to you.”

James Mitchell is the only sitting member of council applying for the job. Some councilmembers expressed concerns about a potential conflict of interest, but the city attorney says there is no violation.

“Every decision we make should focus on improving the quality lives of our residents with competence. After 18 months, we will make Charlotte a better city,” James Mitchell Mayor Pro Tem said.

Mike Evans was Mayor Vi Lyles campaign manager in the last election in the spring. He is applying to fill her spot.

“It is the limited term of this opportunity that’s so appealing to me. I will be fully committed to being the best mayor that I can be without the challenge of simultaneously managing a career if selected,” Evans said.

Mayor Lyles announced she would retire early to spend more time with her grandchildren. Her term ends at the end of 2027. The interim mayor would serve until then and would agree not to run for mayor in the next election.

City councilmembers will choose their top three candidates by Tuesday evening. The city clerk will tally the votes and the top five candidates will return for an interview in front of council. The goal is to pick an interim mayor on June 22nd, but Mayor Lyles has agreed to stay on the job until council can agree on her replacement.