District 3 Democratic Primary Guide – Charlotte Mercury
A district on the edge of change
Charlotte’s District 3 covers West Boulevard, Nations Ford Road, Arrowood and Steele Creek—neighborhoods that were largely bypassed in the last boom. Only 4.92 percent of voters turned out in the 2023 primary, yet the seat holds outsized weight in the 2025 council because growth, transit and development fights will land squarely in this district.
Key Election Information
- Primary Election Day: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
- Early Voting: Thursday, August 21 – Saturday, September 6, 2025
- Same-Day Registration: Available during early voting at all sites
- Voter ID: Photo ID is required under North Carolina law
- Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 (received by 5 p.m.)
- Absentee Ballot Return Deadline: Must be returned by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day
Polling places include the West Boulevard Library, Southview Recreation Center, and Arrowood Station. Check the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections site for your exact location.
Candidates in District 3
Tiawana Brown (Incumbent)
- First elected in 2023
- Known for activism on housing, re-entry programs, and public safety
- Facing federal indictment tied to misuse of PPP/EIDL funds; she denies wrongdoing and is campaigning while under indictment
- Platform: affordable housing, equitable development, safer communities
Joi Mayo
- Community advocate with background in public health
- Campaign priorities: safe and inclusive neighborhoods, affordable housing, economic mobility
- Emphasizes transparency and ethics in office
Warren F. Turner
- Former Charlotte City Council member
- Background: longtime public service and local business involvement
- Platform: economic growth, neighborhood infrastructure, focus on stability and experience
James H. Bowers
- Entrepreneur, mortgage loan officer, and author of Explain To God
- Past council runs in 2022 and 2023
- Platform: fiscal responsibility, transparency, small business development
Montravias King (Withdrew August 12, 2025)
- Originally declared for District 3 but withdrew and endorsed Tiawana Brown
- His exit reshaped the race, strengthening the incumbent’s base
Why it matters
District 3 has historically had the lowest turnout in Charlotte. Decisions on zoning, transit and economic development will directly impact this community as development pressure pushes west. The 2025 primary will decide which Democrat advances to November in a safely blue district.
Getting Around the Ballot
Think District 3 is the center of the universe? Sure—but the rest of Charlotte also exists. Take a detour:
You’re welcome—now no excuses for not knowing what’s on the ballot.
Our Election Coverage Partner
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