2025 election: Candidates for Charlotte, CMS, Mecklenburg ...

Will Holley is from Gates County, North Carolina. He has been a member of his local Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) since 2022 and currently serves as its president. He also serves on the Public Relations Committee for the Mecklenburg County Commissioners’ Office. Will studied at the ITT Technical Institute.

Will is the founder and owner of Holley Construction. 

Will's campaign for Charlotte City Council At-Large is his first entry into politics.

As of July 22, 2025, Will Holley’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Economy

Will Holley, Charlotte City Council at-large candidate, answers our questions - The Charlotte Observer

Supports investing in infrastructure improvements like better street lighting and maintained parks to increase safety.

Believes District 4 is "vibrant and full of potential" and wants to change the narrative of being "just the hood."

Said, "I’ll hold office hours, send monthly newsletters in plain language—not political buzzwords—and push for meetings at times working families can attend."

- Supports investing in infrastructure improvements like better street lighting and maintained parks to increase safety.
- Believes District 4 is "vibrant and full of potential" and wants to change the narrative of being "just the hood."
- Said, "I’ll hold office hours, send monthly newsletters in plain language—not political buzzwords—and push for meetings at times working families can attend."

Public Services

Believes in investing in sustainable, long-term housing solutions instead of temporary shelters.

Believes in investing in sustainable, long-term housing solutions, including access to job training and healthcare, instead of temporary shelters.

Believes organizations receiving funds for housing must provide verifiable proof of effectiveness.

Plans to make housing assistance more accessible through clear information and proactive outreach.

Plans to advocate for zoning requirements that ensure at least 20% of new residential developments are affordable housing.

- Believes in investing in sustainable, long-term housing solutions, including access to job training and healthcare, instead of temporary shelters.
- Believes organizations receiving funds for housing must provide verifiable proof of effectiveness.
- Plans to make housing assistance more accessible through clear information and proactive outreach.
- Plans to advocate for zoning requirements that ensure at least 20% of new residential developments are affordable housing.

Housing & Urban Development

Supports rehabilitation for nonviolent offenders but believes there should be consequences for those who refuse rehabilitation.

Supports increased city funding for mental health services like counseling and emergency interventions.

Believes collaboration with local businesses, such as gyms, can promote mental health awareness and increase families' likelihood of seeking help.

Believes in "stronger community and business engagement" by encouraging store owners and residents to enforce no-trespassing measures, report crime, and partner with law enforcement to enhance street safety.

Supports encouraging store owners and residents to enforce no-trespassing measures, report crime, and partner with law enforcement for improved street safety.

- Supports rehabilitation for nonviolent offenders but believes there should be consequences for those who refuse rehabilitation.
- Supports increased city funding for mental health services like counseling and emergency interventions.
- Believes collaboration with local businesses, such as gyms, can promote mental health awareness and increase families' likelihood of seeking help.
- Supports encouraging store owners and residents to enforce no-trespassing measures, report crime, and partner with law enforcement for improved street safety.

Public Safety

Supports the transit tax, saying "this is about more than transit — it’s about equity and access. It means more frequent service, safer stops, and helping families reach jobs and grocery stores."

Supports Mecklenburg County's proposed transit tax, saying "It means more frequent service, safer stops, and helping families reach jobs and grocery stores."

- Supports Mecklenburg County's proposed transit tax, saying "It means more frequent service, safer stops, and helping families reach jobs and grocery stores."

Transportation & Infrastructure

Advocates for more youth centers and after-school programs.

Advocates for more youth centers and after-school programs to give kids "constructive outlets" and support their mental health.

- Advocates for more youth centers and after-school programs to give kids "constructive outlets" and support their mental health.

Education

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Will Holley

Buket Urgen

Dimple Ajmera - Ballotpedia

Dimple Ajmera is from Surat, India. She has an associate's degree from Chaffey Community College and a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Southern California. She lives with her husband, Vaibhav Bajaj, and their daughter in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Dimple is a certified public accountant (CPA). Before taking elected office, she worked in strategic program management at TIAA. She also has experience working in investment management at Yardi and as a lead tax consultant at Deloitte.

Dimple is currently an at-large member of the Charlotte City Council. She was first elected to the council in 2017 and re-elected in 2019 and 2023. She previously represented District 5 on the Charlotte City Council from 2017 to 2018. Dimple ran for North Carolina State Treasurer in the 2020 primary but did not win.

Helped create the HIRE Charlotte initiative to expand employment opportunities and strengthen job creation.

Supported the HIRE Charlotte initiative to create jobs and increase employment in Charlotte.

As chair of the budget committee, facilitated bipartisan approval of a $3.3 billion city budget that increased investments to address community needs and raised salaries for city employees for five straight years without raising taxes.

Facilitated bipartisan approval of a $3.3 billion city budget that increased investments in community services and raised city employee salaries five years in a row without raising taxes.

- Supported the HIRE Charlotte initiative to create jobs and increase employment in Charlotte.
- Facilitated bipartisan approval of a $3.3 billion city budget that increased investments in community services and raised city employee salaries five years in a row without raising taxes.

As of July 22, 2025, Dimple Ajmera’s website did not contain information on this issue.

As a city council member, supported $50 million in affordable housing bonds to increase safe, quality, affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents.

As city council member, supported $50 million in affordable housing bonds to expand access to safe, quality housing for low- and moderate-income residents.

As a city council member, advocated for the redevelopment of the Eastland site into a mixed-use development with affordable housing, retail, sports, recreation, and a park.

As a city council member, advocated for redeveloping the Eastland site into a mixed-use community with affordable housing, retail, recreation, and green space.

Supports expanding access to affordable housing.

- As city council member, supported $50 million in affordable housing bonds to expand access to safe, quality housing for low- and moderate-income residents.
- As a city council member, advocated for redeveloping the Eastland site into a mixed-use community with affordable housing, retail, recreation, and green space.
- Supports expanding access to affordable housing.

Helped develop the SAFE Charlotte plan, which aims to enhance community safety by addressing the root causes of crime.

Helped develop the SAFE Charlotte plan and launch the Alternatives to Violence program to improve community safety and address the root causes of crime.

- Helped develop the SAFE Charlotte plan and launch the Alternatives to Violence program to improve community safety and address the root causes of crime.

Supports sustainable infrastructure and a resilient future.

Twitter

Dimple Ajmera

Emerson Stoldt is from Charlotte, North Carolina. He lives with his wife in Charlotte.

Election 2025: Charlotte & Pineville races are set | Southcltweekly ...

Emerson Stoldt's campaign for Charlotte City Council Member is his first entry into politics.

Supports city-sponsored youth programs that provide mentorship, job training, and access to arts and sports, especially in underfunded neighborhoods.

Advocates youth programs that provide mentorship, job training, and access to arts and sports.

- Advocates youth programs that provide mentorship, job training, and access to arts and sports.

Supports implementing the Arts & Culture Plan to support local creatives and neighborhood gathering spaces.

- Supports implementing the Arts & Culture Plan to support local creatives and neighborhood gathering spaces.

Supports zoning reforms that prioritize community needs over investor interests.

Supports zoning changes to increase affordable housing.

Supports first-time buyer programs, land trusts, and zoning reforms to address high housing costs.

Supports using first-time buyer programs and land trusts to address high housing costs.

Believes in "urbanism that works for people and for the long term," including more shade trees, better stormwater management, thoughtful development, and walkable neighborhoods.

Believes in "urbanism that works for people," including more shade trees, better stormwater management, thoughtful development, and walkable neighborhoods.

Supports planning that prioritizes neighborhoods, including incentivizing developers to engage with the community, creating tailored zoning overlays, and ensuring growth benefits current residents over investors.

Supports ensuring growth benefits current residents over investors.

Plans to work with nonprofits and city partners to expand transitional housing.

- Supports zoning reforms that prioritize community needs over investor interests.
- Supports zoning changes to increase affordable housing.
- Supports using first-time buyer programs and land trusts to address high housing costs.
- Believes in "urbanism that works for people," including more shade trees, better stormwater management, thoughtful development, and walkable neighborhoods.
- Supports ensuring growth benefits current residents over investors.
- Plans to work with nonprofits and city partners to expand transitional housing.

Supports expanding access to mental health and addiction services.

- Supports expanding access to mental health and addiction services.

Supports expanding sidewalks and light rail, and improving bus service, walkways, and bikeways.

- Supports expanding sidewalks and light rail, and improving bus service, walkways, and bikeways.

Supports providing every child access to arts, sports, mentorship, and real-world training, regardless of zip code or income.

Supports access to arts, sports, mentorship, and real-world training for all children, regardless of zip code or income.

- Supports access to arts, sports, mentorship, and real-world training for all children, regardless of zip code or income.

Emerson Stoldt

J. G. Lockhart has an associate's degree from Central Piedmont Community College. 

Lockhart works as a technician for the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections. Previously, he worked in customer support for APL Logistics and as a transportation analyst for Sealed Air Corporation. 

As of July 22, 2025, J. G. Lockhart did not have a website or any information online.

J. G. Lockhart

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

James (Smuggie) Mitchell, Jr.

LaWana Mayfield

LaWana Slack-Mayfield has an associate's degree in construction management from Central Piedmont Community College and a certificate in governmental policy from Harvard Kennedy School.

LaWana Slack-Mayfield runs for Charlotte city council at-large ...

LaWana is self-employed as the founder of Inspyred Creatives LLC. She has experience as a video podcaster and a census field supervisor. Previously, LaWana worked as the Mecklenburg County Project Coordinator at Grassroots Leadership, where she focused on ending for-profit prisons, immigration reform, and community organizing.

LaWana Slack-Mayfield - Ballotpedia

LaWana is an at-large member of the Charlotte City Council. She was first elected to this role in 2022.  From 2012 to 2019, she served on the Charlotte City Council, representing District 3.

Believes "support of local businesses contributes to local jobs, charities, and schools."

Believes the city has changed and the needs of residents continue to change, but challenges such as housing affordability, transportation, small business growth, taxes, and jobs with livable wages have remained.

Believes housing affordability, transportation, small business growth, taxes, and jobs with a living wage are challenges faced by the city of Charlotte.

As a city council member, played a key role in projects like the Charlotte Premium Outlets and the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, boosting local employment and economic growth.

As a city council member, supported projects like the Charlotte Premium Outlets and the Goodwill Opportunity Campus to boost local employment and economic growth.

As a city council member, organized the Annual Charlotte Douglas International Airport District 3 Job Fair and the city’s first youth job fair, connecting job seekers with employers.

As a city council member, organized the Annual Charlotte Douglas International Airport District 3 Job Fair and the city’s first youth job fair.

- Believes "support of local businesses contributes to local jobs, charities, and schools."
- Believes housing affordability, transportation, small business growth, taxes, and jobs with a living wage are challenges faced by the city of Charlotte.
- As a city council member, supported projects like the Charlotte Premium Outlets and the Goodwill Opportunity Campus to boost local employment and economic growth.
- As a city council member, organized the Annual Charlotte Douglas International Airport District 3 Job Fair and the city’s first youth job fair.

Believes in "listening to the public’s concerns and connecting them with the necessary resources to address their needs."

Prioritizes economic growth, community safety, and stabilizing property values.

- Believes in "listening to the public’s concerns and connecting them with the necessary resources to address their needs."
- Prioritizes economic growth, community safety, and stabilizing property values.

Supports the Faith in Housing Initiative, which partners with faith-based organizations to create affordable housing on church properties.

Supports providing mental health services and job training to address homelessness.

- Supports the Faith in Housing Initiative, which partners with faith-based organizations to create affordable housing on church properties.
- Supports providing mental health services and job training to address homelessness.

As of July 22, 2025, LaWana Slack-Mayfield’s website did not contain information on this issue.

LaWana Slack-Mayfield

Matt Britt is from North Carolina. He lives with his wife and two daughters in Charlotte.

Matt is a marketing professional in the healthcare industry. He previously worked in hotel operations and engaged in grassroots organizing.

Matt's campaign for Charlotte City Council Member is his first entry into politics.

As of July 22, 2025, Matt Britt’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports expanding access to early childhood education.

- Supports expanding access to early childhood education.

Matt Britt

Namrata (N.Y.) Yadav's campaign for Charlotte City Council Member is her first entry into politics.

Advocates for a "competitive, inclusive economy that attracts businesses while preparing Charlotte's residents to thrive."

Supports investing in workforce development, affordable housing, and infrastructure.

- Advocates for a "competitive, inclusive economy that attracts businesses while preparing Charlotte's residents to thrive."
- Supports investing in workforce development, affordable housing, and infrastructure.

Supports community forums to get input from residents about government decisions.

- Supports community forums to get input from residents about government decisions.

As of July 22, 2025, Namrata (N.Y.) Yadav’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Advocates for "a holistic approach built on the pillars of prevention, community investment, and smart enforcement."

- Advocates for "a holistic approach built on the pillars of prevention, community investment, and smart enforcement."

Namrata (N.Y.) Yadav

Roderick A. Davis (North Carolina) - Ballotpedia

Roderick Davis is from Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a graduate of Olympic High School and has taken online classes at South University, Virginia College, and North Central University.

Roderick has founded two nonprofit organizations: the Citizens of The United States, Inc., and LGBT Citizen Helpers. He has experience in management, security, video production, and customer service.

Roderick previously ran for Charlotte City Council in 2017, for Mayor of Charlotte in 2015 and 2019, and for North Carolina State Senate District 38 in 2016, 2018, and 2020 but did not win. He withdrew from the U.S. House race for North Carolina's 12th Congressional District in 2020.

As of July 22, 2025, Roderick Davis did not have a website or any information online.

Charlotte mayoral candidate Roderick Davis on the issues

Supports the expansion of the city's non-discrimination ordinance to include the LGBT community, including allowing transgender residents to use the bathroom of their choice.

Supports expanding non-discrimination protections to include the LGBT community and allowing transgender residents to use the bathroom of their choice.

- Supports expanding non-discrimination protections to include the LGBT community and allowing transgender residents to use the bathroom of their choice.

Opposes more restrictions on demolishing older buildings.

Supports increasing affordable housing by approving multi-family housing projects.

Supports approving multi-family housing projects to create more affordable housing.

- Opposes more restrictions on demolishing older buildings.
- Supports approving multi-family housing projects to create more affordable housing.

Roderick Davis

Victoria Watlington '13 - UNC Charlotte Alumni Association

Victoria Watlington is from West Charlotte. She has a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Florida, and a master's degree in engineering management, a PhD in infrastructure and environmental systems, and a graduate certificate in public policy from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and attends Elevation Church.

Victoria is a licensed professional engineer and a certified Project Management Professional. She is also a small business owner. 

Victoria Watlington - Ballotpedia

Victoria is currently an at-large member of the Charlotte City Council. She was first elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2023. 

As a city council member, pushed for a city-wide workforce development program to ensure companies investing in city contracts also invest in the local community.

As a city council member, advocated for a workforce development program to be included in all city contracts.

- As a city council member, advocated for a workforce development program to be included in all city contracts.

Supports city investment in grassroots organizations, partnering with groups like the Urban League and United Way to help community groups scale up their operations.

Supports city investment in grassroots organizations, such as the Urban League, United Way, and the Three Sisters Market grocery co-op.

- Supports city investment in grassroots organizations, such as the Urban League, United Way, and the Three Sisters Market grocery co-op.

Supports the Historic $100 MM Housing Bond and Affordable Housing Funding Policy.

Supports funding affordable housing initiatives.

Supports enforcing source of income discrimination in city-supported housing.

Supports protecting renters by preventing landlords from rejecting applicants who use housing vouchers.

Supports preserving neighborhood affordability.

Supports keeping neighborhoods affordable.

- Supports funding affordable housing initiatives.
- Supports protecting renters by preventing landlords from rejecting applicants who use housing vouchers.
- Supports keeping neighborhoods affordable.

As a response to the national social justice movement, drafted Charlotte's Re-Imagining Policing Framework to ensure policing reflects community values and supports officers in delivering high-quality service.

Drafted Charlotte's Re-Imagining Policing Framework to "ensure our policing reflects our community values [and] officers are equipped with what they need to deliver high-quality service."

Supports the Safe Charlotte Plan and advocates for violent crime prevention strategies that address systemic issues, such as collaborating with public and private partners to seize high-crime properties.

Advocates for crime prevention strategies that address systemic issues.

Supports the Non-Discrimination Ordinance.

Supported expanding anti-discrimination protections to cover sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, veteran status, pregnancy, and hairstyles.

- Drafted Charlotte's Re-Imagining Policing Framework to "ensure our policing reflects our community values [and] officers are equipped with what they need to deliver high-quality service."
- Advocates for crime prevention strategies that address systemic issues.
- Supported expanding anti-discrimination protections to cover sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, veteran status, pregnancy, and hairstyles.

As a city council member, advocated for removing the petition process for traffic calming devices in neighborhoods to ensure equitable street improvements.

Advocated for removing the petition process to make traffic calming measures more accessible and equitable.

Supports a comprehensive development approach and improving public transportation quality.

Supports investments improving bus services, rail systems, and sidewalk conditions.

- Advocated for removing the petition process to make traffic calming measures more accessible and equitable.
- Supports investments improving bus services, rail systems, and sidewalk conditions.

Supports initiatives that aid African American students in engineering programs.

Supports initiatives that support African American students in engineering programs.

- Supports initiatives that support African American students in engineering programs.

Victoria Watlington

- 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. 