Baldwin won't run for re-election to Raleigh council

Baldwin, who was elected four times as an at-large representative, issued a statement Friday about her decision not to run again.

"My decision to sit out this election does not mean I am going away," she wrote. "I will continue to work on projects I am passionate about, help our entrepreneurial and creative communities, and advocate for those in need."

Candidates had until noon Friday to file paperwork to signal an intention to run for municipal office this year.

Other than Baldwin, all other members of Raleigh City Council are running for re-election, as is Mayor Nancy McFarlane.

McFarlane faces a challenge from Charles Francis and Paul Fitts, while former Councilman John Odom will face off against Councilman David Cox in District B, Councilman Dickie Thompson faces Alex Moore in District A and Councilwoman Kay Crowder will run against B.J. Plott in District D. Councilman Corey Branch faces four challengers in District C – James Bledsoe, Crash Gregg, Jeff Stewart and Olen Watson – while both Stef Mendell and Derek Walker are running against Councilman Bonner Gaylord in District E.

Seven people are running for the two-at-large seats on the council, including Councilman Russ Stephenson. Others are Shelia Alamin-Khashoggi, Rob Axtell, Zainab Baloch, Stacy Miller, Nicole Stewart and Robert Ward IV.

In Durham, four people are vying to succeed longtime Mayor Bill Bell, including Councilman Steve Schewel. Others are Farad Ali, Pierce Freelon and Sylvester Williams.

Councilwoman Cora Cole-McFadden faces challenges from DeDreana Freeman, John Tarantino and Brian Calloway in Ward I, while Councilman Don Moffitt goes against Lenny Kovalick, Vernetta Alston and Sheila Ann Huggins in Ward III.

Councilman Eddie Davis isn't seeking re-election in Ward II, and Dolly Reaves, Robert Fluet, Deanna Hall, LeVon Barnes, John Rooks and Mark-Anthony Middleton are vying for the open seat.

In Chapel Hill, Mayor Pam Hemminger is running unopposed.

Councilman Ed Harrison and Councilwoman Maria Palmer are seeking re-election, while Councilman George Cianciolo and Councilwoman Sally Greene aren't. Others running for the four seats up for grabs include Allen Buansi, Rachel Schaevitz, Karen Stegman and Carl Schuler.

In Cary, Councilman Jack Smith is running unopposed in District C, while Councilwoman Jennifer Robinson faces challenges from Majid Mohadjer and Radha Ravi Varma in District A. Councilman Ed Yerha goes against Jeff Alan DeDeugd and George McDowell for an at-large seat.