Race for Raleigh mayor: Former NC state treasurer enters the race
Janet Cowell, former North Carolina state treasurer and current president and CEO of Dix Park Conservancy, has announced she will run for Raleigh mayor.
Cowell served as the first female state treasurer from 2009 to 2016, according to the Raleigh Chamber. She also served from 2001-2004 on the Raleigh City Council.
"There’s a lot of power that resides at the state in North Carolina, and you need to have strong relationships with them to have a successful city," Cowell said.
Cowell currently leads the Dix Park Conservancy, a nonprofit working with the city to transform the sprawling Dix Park site into Raleigh’s largest public park.
"This is inclusive [and] collaborative," she said of her campaign for mayor. "I want people’s ideas [and] advice."
Cowell will face longtime councilman Corey Branch in the Nov. 5, 2024, election. Branch had announced his run for mayor in October.
Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin was first elected in 2019 and reelected in 2022. Her term ends in 2024.
Baldwin has previously told WRAL News she intends to run for re-election, but a formal announcement has not been made.
Cowell has stood alongside Baldwin in her work on Dix Park.
In a statement to WRAL News, Baldwin said, "I consider Janet a friend. She's been a strong leader throughout her career - from city council to state Senate to treasurer to her role with the Dix Park Conservancy. I welcome her to the race."
Branch says infrastructure improvements and community engagement are priorities in his campaign for mayor.
"Every decision I’ve made has been made with my heart and best interest of the community," Branch said.
Branch is also focusing on making sure everyone benefits from the city's growth.
"Yes, we need to make room for those that are moving here, but we need to make sure we keep our attention on those who have done so much to make us the best city," he said.
Cowell was a finalist for the 2023 WRAL Voters' Choice Award for Woman of the Year.
In a recent interview with WRAL News, Cowell said, "Dix Park and the Conservancy are one of the most ambitious projects that the city of Raleigh has ever undertaken.”
Protecting the environment is a priority in Cowell's campaign. She also said the city needs predictability in its growth and rezoning for new development.
"We have a great comprehensive plan," Cowell said. "Are we adhering to that kind of plan?
"If we need to make changes to that plan, are we engaging the public to make those changes?"
Cowell also acknowledged the challenges women face in leadership roles. She also points to affordable housing, public safety and environmental protection as issues she's passionate about addressing.
"As a woman, you get underestimated. People don't ask you to run for things or step up. You kind of have to nominate yourself,” she said. "If you can find people who will help validate your idea, be allies with you, that's an important thing that maybe women have to consider a little more than men."
Delmonte Crawford provided a statement to WRAL News on his candidacy for mayor. Crawford has been in Raleigh for five years and in North Carolina for 12.
"As a young leader, I am driven by a deep desire to bring positive change and to ensure that the voices of all residents, especially the youth, are heard and valued in shaping the future of our beloved city," Crawford said.
James Shaughnessy is another candidate for mayor. Shaughnessy is a pre-law student at William Peace University and Raleigh native.
