Local Politics

Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville mayoral races highlight municipal elections

With towns from A to Z - literally Apex to Zebulon - holding municipal elections across central North Carolina on Tuesday, mayoral races in Raleigh, Durham and Fayetteville get top billing.

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RALEIGH, N.C. — With towns from A to Z – literally Apex to Zebulon – holding municipal elections across central North Carolina on Tuesday, mayoral races in Raleigh, Durham and Fayetteville get top billing.
Polls closed at 7:30 p.m. WRAL News will provide comprehensive results online and on television Tuesday night.
Raleigh will see it's first mayoral runoff in 16 years, as Mayor Nancy McFarlane seeks a fourth term against challenger Charles Francis.

While McFarlane touts her experience and Raleigh's national stature as a good place for business and families, Francis has taken a populist approach in his campaign, arguing that many neighborhoods in Raleigh are being left behind as the city grows. Affordable housing, accessibility to transit and economic development have been common themes from both camps.

Meanwhile, Durham will see its first new mayor in 16 years. City Councilman Steve Schewel and former Councilman Farad Ali are vying to succeed Mayor Bill Bell, who chose not to seek a ninth two-year term.

Both Schewel and Ali are campaigning on fighting poverty in Durham through providing more affordable housing and job creation.

In Fayetteville, Mayor Nat Robertson is seeking a third term against Mayor Pro Tem Mitch Colvin.

Much like the Raleigh runoff, the incumbent Robertson has focused on his experience and Fayetteville's growth under his leadership, while Colvin has emphasized the uneven pace of growth across the city and his ability to collaborate with other groups in Cumberland County.

Hundreds of city and town council races and other mayoral positions also are up for grabs Tuesday.

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