James "Smuggie" Mitchell - Ballotpedia

James Mitchell Jr. is from Charlotte, North Carolina. He has a bachelor's degree in business administration from North Carolina Central University. He is married to Joan Higginbotham and the father of two daughters.

Charlotte City Councilmember James Mitchell Jr. Announces ...

A Charlotte power couple cracks barriers - Business North Carolina

State investigation into James "Smuggie" Mitchell is complete | wcnc ...

James is the director of business development at McFarland Construction. He previously served as president of R.J. Leeper Construction. 

James previously served on the Charlotte City Council representing District 2 from 1999 to 2013. He served as an at-large member of the Charlotte City Council from 2015 until he resigned on January 11, 2021. He returned to the council in 2022 and currently serves as an at-large member.

Supports funding for the Women's Business Center.

Plans to implement a strategic Upward Mobility Program.

Supports funding for the "Corridors of Opportunity" and wants to develop a new funding source for start-up businesses.

- Supports funding for the Women's Business Center.
- Plans to implement a strategic Upward Mobility Program.
- Supports funding for the "Corridors of Opportunity" and wants to develop a new funding source for start-up businesses.

Economy

As of July 22, 2025, James (Smuggie) Mitchell, Jr.’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Public Services

Supports developing a rent assistance voucher program, using city-owned land for affordable housing, and planning affordable housing units along transit corridors.

Supports developing a rent assistance program, using city-owned land for affordable housing, and planning affordable housing units near transportation hubs.

- Supports developing a rent assistance program, using city-owned land for affordable housing, and planning affordable housing units near transportation hubs.

Housing & Urban Development

Supports empowering non-profit organizations committed to preventing violence.

Wants to "empower non-profit organizations committed to violent behavior prevention."

Supports continued de-escalation training for police officers.

Supports promoting the development of police stations based on neighborhood feedback.

Supports the development of police stations based on neighborhood feedback.

Supports implicit bias and diversity training for police officers.

- Wants to "empower non-profit organizations committed to violent behavior prevention."
- Supports continued de-escalation training for police officers.
- Supports the development of police stations based on neighborhood feedback.
- Supports implicit bias and diversity training for police officers.

Public Safety

As a city council member, helped improve the Mt. Holly-Huntersville intersection.

- As a city council member, helped improve the Mt. Holly-Huntersville intersection.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Education

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James (Smuggie) Mitchell, Jr.

James is from Charlotte, North Carolina. He attended West Charlotte High School. He has a bachelor's degree in business administration from North Carolina Central University. He is happily married to former NASA astronaut Joan Higginbotham and the proud father of two daughters, Kayla and Nicole Mitchell.

James is the director of business development at McFarland Construction. He previously served as president of R.J. Leeper Construction, a full-service minority construction management and general contracting company located in Charlotte. He also spent three years on the board of the National League of Cities, serving as president in 2011. 

James previously served on the Charlotte City Council representing District 2 from 1999 to 2013. He served as an at-large member of the Charlotte City Council from 2015 until he resigned on January 11, 2021, due to his new role as president of R.J. Leeper Construction. He returned to the council in 2022 and currently serves as an at-large member.

As of July 22, 2025, James (Smuggie) Mitchell, Jr. did not have a website or any information online.

- City council members work together to set and implement city policy. 
- The city council is tasked with ensuring the health, comfort, and safety of residents of the city.
- City council members work with the mayor to govern city departments, such as the police department, fire department, transportation department, and parks and recreation department. 
- City council members represent either the whole city or residents of a specific district. 