Corey Branch drops out of race for Raleigh mayor

A top candidate for Raleigh Mayor says he’s no longer seeking the position.

Corey Branch, who has represented southeast Raleigh on the City Council since 2015, said Wednesday that he’s ending his campaign for mayor. Branch declined to explain his decision in a brief telephone interview with WRAL. Branch said he’ll announce his new plans at a press conference Wednesday evening.

Branch’s exit from the mayoral race leaves the field with four candidates: Janet Cowell, Paul Fitts, Eugene Myrick, and James Shaughnessy. That list could grow. Candidates can file to run for office until July 19.

Mary-Ann Baldwin, elected mayor in 2019, isn’t seeking reelection. With Branch out of the mayoral race, political insiders see Cowell as the frontrunner for the seat.

Cowell was a city councilwoman from 2001 to 2004 and then ran for state treasurer in 2008 and won, becoming the first woman to hold the position in North Carolina. She served as treasurer from 2009 to 2016, when she decided not to seek reelection. She currently works as president and CEO of Dix Park Conservancy, speaking regularly with city leaders about Raleigh’s largest park.