Janet Cowell is set to become the new mayor of Raleigh.

The former state treasurer defeated four other candidates vying to replace the outgoing Mary-Ann Baldwin: Paul Fitts, Eugene Myrick, Terrance (Truth) Ruth and James Shaughnessy IV.

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"I just want you to know that whatever happens up-ballot, that I'm certainly going to be working to ensure that Raleigh is a city that works for everyone," Cowell said. "A place of opportunity and empowerment, of safety and belonging, of collaboration and innovation [and] of nature and green spaces."

As of 11:45 p.m. Tuesday, Cowell had 59.8% of the vote with 131,544 votes with all 212 precincts reporting. Fitts was second with 40,467 votes (18.4%).

Cowell, 56, is due to become the 63rd mayor of Raleigh.

Earlier Tuesday night, Cowell said she and her team felt comfortable claiming victory in the race.

"While they have not called, I think, I'm comfortable calling it," Cowell said. "I am extremely grateful to so many people in this place who did so much for me."

Cowell stepped down as president of the Dix Park Conservancy on Oct. 4 to run for mayor. She became the president of the Dix Park Conservancy in January 2021. The conservancy said she helped raise $40 million in private funding and launched projects such as the restoration of the park’s historic Stone Houses and an ambitious public art initiative.

Cowell served as the 27th treasurer of North Carolina from Jan. 10, 2009, to Jan. 1, 2017. The Democrat also served in the state Senate’s 16th district from Jan. 1, 2005, to Jan. 1, 2009.

Cowell was also elected as an at-large member of the Raleigh City Council in 2001. She was reelected to the seat in 2003 before running for state Senate.

WRAL News asked Cowell why she's the best fit to lead the city of Raleigh.

"The mayor position in Raleigh, it's a soft-power position," Cowell said. "So, you don't have a lot of direct authority.

"You have to work with a lot of different partners, [including] your [city] council, your city manager, the county [and] the state to get things done. With 20 years of experience in politics and a lot of relationships, I think that gives you ... a fighting chance to really make a diference for Raleigh."

Baldwin announced on April 16 she would not seek reelection.