Charlotte voters will choose four at-large representatives for the City Council in 2025. The partisan primary is set for September 9, 2025, with a possible runoff on October 7, and the general election on November 4.
These at-large members represent the entire city—not a specific district—and often shape key debates on affordable housing, transportation, public safety, economic development, and oversight of the city manager.
This guide provides detailed profiles of every declared candidate, including their party affiliation, career background, key policy positions, and campaign links. It is designed for political operatives, opposition researchers, campaign staffers, and highly engaged voters.
📋 Democratic Primary Candidates (10)
🏛️ Incumbents
Dimple Ajmera
- Status: Incumbent
- Bio: First elected in 2017; previously worked in financial services.
- Platform: Fiscal discipline, workforce housing, infrastructure modernization.
- Notable: Budget Committee Chair.
- Website: dimpleajmera.com
James “Smuggie” Mitchell Jr.
- Status: Incumbent
- Bio: Council veteran since 1999; briefly resigned in 2021 over business conflicts.
- Platform: Economic development, small business access, city workforce diversity.
- Notable: Past president of the National League of Cities.
- Website: N/A
Dr. Victoria Watlington
- Status: Incumbent
- Bio: Former District 3 rep; engineer with a PhD in civil engineering.
- Platform: Equity audits, community-led safety plans, data-driven governance.
- Notable: Vocal critic of CMPD severance payouts.
- Website: watlingtonforcharlotte.com
LaWana Slack-Mayfield
- Status: Incumbent
- Bio: Former District 3 rep (2011–2018); returned in 2022 at-large.
- Platform: Environmental justice, LGBTQ+ rights, public health investment.
- Notable: One of the first openly LGBTQ+ council members in Charlotte.
- Website: votelawanamayfield.com
🧭 Challengers
Matt Britt
- Status: Challenger
- Bio: Co-chair of NC Pre-K Committee, CEO of Smart Start of Forsyth.
- Platform: Childhood education access, support for working families, mental health.
- Website: brittforclt.com
Roderick Davis
- Status: Challenger
- Bio: Warehouse worker, perennial candidate, former NC Senate candidate.
- Platform: Medicaid expansion, police reform, community-based economics.
- Notable: Known for consistent runs for public office with grassroots messaging.
Will Holley
- Status: Challenger
- Bio: Construction business owner; president of CMS Parent Teacher Association.
- Platform: School funding, suicide prevention, transparency in city contracting.
- Website: willstheway.org
J.G. Lockhart
- Status: Challenger
- Bio: Community advocate; involved in infrastructure access and youth outreach.
- Platform: Street safety, civic literacy, Black political power.
- Notable: Endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America.
Emerson Stoldt
- Status: Challenger
- Bio: Architect, environmentalist, urbanism advocate.
- Platform: “Smart growth,” transit-oriented zoning, climate resiliency.
- Website: emersonforclt.com
Namrata “N.Y.” Yadav
- Status: Challenger
- Bio: Indian-American business executive, mentor, mom.
- Platform: Charlotte belonging, equity in leadership, youth pathways to power.
- Website: nyforcharlotte.com
🐘 Republican Primary Candidates (2)
Misun Kim
- Status: Challenger
- Bio: Realtor; 2023 Republican mayoral nominee.
- Platform: Anti-transit tax, conservative social values, “protection of family.”
- Notable: Ran against Mayor Vi Lyles and placed second citywide.
- Website: misunforcharlotte.com
Edwin B. Peacock III
- Status: Appointed Councilmember, running at-large
- Bio: Former at-large member (2007–2011); Republican mayoral nominee (2013).
- Platform: “Back to basics,” fiscal restraint, school-city partnerships.
- Notable: Reappointed to District 6 after Bokhari resignation, now running at-large.
- Website: peacockforcharlotte.com
🗓️ Key Dates & Info
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Voter Registration Closes | August 16, 2025 |
| Early Voting Begins | August 21, 2025 |
| Primary Election Day | September 9, 2025 |
| Runoff (if needed) | October 7, 2025 |
| General Election | November 4, 2025 |
📍 More info: vote.mecknc.gov
📍 Candidate filings closed July 19, 2025. View full list at ncsbe.gov
🧠 Insights
- Democratic field is split between institutionalists (Ajmera, Mitchell, Slack-Mayfield) and progressives (Watlington, Lockhart, Stoldt, Yadav).
- Kim and Peacock are unlikely to compete in the same lane. Peacock appeals to traditional GOP voters, while Kim draws culture-war conservatives.
- Holley and Britt may split moderate reform voters—both emphasize education and family services.
- Roderick Davis may be ignored by major donors but garners attention as a populist with past electoral traction.
- J.G. Lockhart has support from left-progressive groups like DSA and may have coattails with environmental voters.