Organizer vs. Mayor Pro Tem
District 1 voters face a familiar choice in Charlotte's Sept. 9 Democratic primary. Organizer Charlene Henderson is challenging incumbent mayor pro tem Danté Anderson. Early voting runs Aug. 21–Sept. 6. The winner will influence how this growth-pressure district approaches wages for city contractors, transit funding, code enforcement, and where affordable housing goes. See our Election 2025 hub for the full picture.
What District 1 Looks Like
District 1 includes Plaza Midwood, Belmont, Villa Heights, First Ward and adjacent neighborhoods. Voters here live with the tradeoffs of growth in a very local way. Transit reliability, pedestrian safety and small-scale redevelopment are not abstractions. They are lived in the crosswalks and cul-de-sacs.
The Incumbent: Danté Anderson
Anderson was appointed to the seat in 2022, won a full term in 2023 and was selected as mayor pro tem by a 7–4 vote. She serves on transportation and economic development committees and represents the city on the regional CRTPO board. On policy, Anderson supports the proposed one-cent county transportation sales tax and describes it as a long-horizon mobility investment. Her housing approach focuses on preserving older units and encouraging an equitable spread of affordable homes across the city. On safety, she points to youth programs, jobs and Corridors of Opportunity work on Sugar Creek.
Two moments have followed into the primary season. One is the June discussion over labor standards at the airport and whether the city should move the matter into committee. The other is scrutiny of filing timeliness that drew attention to paperwork habits across council. Voters will decide how much either should weigh.
The Challenger: Charlene Henderson
Henderson presents herself as a neighborhood organizer with Hidden Valley roots and a small-business lens. She serves on the City's Business Advisory Committee in a Black Chamber of Commerce category seat. Her campaign centers on worker safety and wages for city employees and contractors, stronger code enforcement to steady older neighborhoods, and targeted investment for youth, seniors and historically under-resourced areas.
Her phrase is "people over profit." The coalition she is building blends neighborhood associations, small business advocates and worker-safety groups. She argues the city can use procurement and performance tools to push for fair treatment on sites where public money touches private work.
The Record, The Rematch
The two faced off previously in a multi-candidate primary. Both campaigns know the precincts and the small electorate that shows up. The question is which side turns out its regulars and captures the handful of infrequent voters who tip close races.
Where They Split
Labor and the airport
Henderson prioritizes contractor accountability and worker protections and wants city leverage used through procurement and performance. Anderson stresses what can be done within state limits and favors incremental steps that survive legal challenge.
Transit tax
Anderson supports the one-cent sales tax. Henderson has kept the focus on project mix and delivery accountability. Voters will judge whether the package matches what District 1 actually uses.
Development and code enforcement
Henderson stresses code enforcement and neighborhood fit as first tools. Anderson highlights preserving existing affordable stock while distributing new affordable housing throughout Charlotte. Both pledge stability and safety. They diverge on which lever to pull first.
Ballot Mechanics
- Early Voting: Aug. 21–Sept. 6
- Primary Day: Sept. 9
- Locations and Hours: See Election 2025
- Bring ID: Details and acceptable forms on our Election 2025 hub
How To Vote
Everything you need for dates, locations and rules lives on our Election 2025 page. After you vote, text three District 1 friends and get them to the polls. Small elections are decided by very few neighbors.
About the Author
I take my coffee like a municipal budget. Dark, hot and argued line by line. While the kettle works, take a lap around The Charlotte Mercury. Our Content is easy to find: News, Business, Housing, and Politics. Do not miss our special 2025 election coverage, "Poll Dance 2025; Join the Dance," on the Election 2025 page. The fine print that actually is fine lives here: Privacy Policy, About Us, Terms of Service, Media, and Contact Us. Want to gripe or praise in public. Send a note on Twix at @queencityexp.
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© 2025 The Charlotte Mercury / Strolling Ballantyne
This article, "District 1 Rematch: Charlene Henderson vs. Danté Anderson in Charlotte's 2025 Democratic Primary," by Jack Beckett, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0.
"District 1 Rematch: Charlene Henderson vs. Danté Anderson in Charlotte's 2025 Democratic Primary"
by Jack Beckett, The Charlotte Mercury (CC BY-ND 4.0)