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.
Polls closed at 7:30 p.m. WRAL News will provide comprehensive results online and on television Tuesday night.
#IVoted just as soon as I'd dropped my kids off to school. Only ONE item on my ballot today, Mayor of my hometown, but REALLY important! 🇺🇸🗽 pic.twitter.com/pBBaDXnaMw
— Laura (@psalm7115) November 7, 2017
It’s #ElectionDay in @RaleighGov #ivoted
— Michael Guyer (@msguyer) November 7, 2017
Only one race on my ballot, but grateful to cast my vote.
p.s. The lines aren’t long... pic.twitter.com/026PTPkShk
Grocery store✅ cat food ✅ school✅ vote ✅ only takes a minute #raleigh #voteRaleigh #ivoted pic.twitter.com/PApelJOgBC
— RaleighWhatsUp (@raleighwhatsup) November 7, 2017
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.
I love seeing the “I voted” selfies!If you don’t #vote PLEASE DON’T COMPLAIN about what is going on! #IVoted #YourVoiceYourVote pic.twitter.com/mXizegCIc0
— Michelle Lindsey (@Sapphirediva22) November 7, 2017
Local elections matter! #ivoted pic.twitter.com/cJMhn0mRRY
— Bethany Smith (@bethanyvsmith) November 7, 2017
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.