Position/philosophy statement
As Raleigh has grown, it has presented opportunity and prosperity for some, challenges and displacement for others. I want Raleigh to be a city that works for everyone.
Current Occupation
President & CEO Dix Park Conservancy (through 10/4/24)
Age (optional)
56
Campaign Phone
919-223-8588
Campaign Youtube URL
I have served fifteen years in elected public office in North Carolina – three on the Raleigh City Council, four in the State Senate, and eight as State Treasurer. I have a proven track record of results. While things change rapidly and I have to keep learning and adapting, I’ve been through the steep learning curve that comes with elected office.
I have executive leadership experience as Treasurer, through chairing boards, and leading non-profit organizations. I understand that for Raleigh to achieve its goals, we need to strengthen partnerships with state and fed government, non-profits, residents and businesses. Having lived in Raleigh for over twenty-five years, I have the relationships and understanding to forge these partnerships.
1) Housing and Managing Growth - we need more housing, more affordable housing, and more types of housing. We need to make sure that infrastructure keeps up with growth. We need to provide stabilization assistance to long-time residents who are struggling to stay in their homes.
2) Public Safety and Helping Neighbors in Need - we need more competitive and livable salaries and appropriate staffing levels. We should expand number of social workers and psychologists responding to residents who need social services. We need to identify innovative, caring solutions for the unhoused.
3) Environmental Protection/Resilience - As we grow and become denser, we need to protect and invest in our trees, creeks, and open spaces.
1) Utilize govt.- and church-owned land for housing. Utilize Tax Increment Financing as another source of subsidy for housing. Identify ways to get housing projects moving quicker. Scale existing programs such as home weatherization and home repair to help more people stay in their houses longer.
2) Pass pay increases in next budget. Expand police ACORNs unit or other programs like it. Ensure training and leadership skills to make Raleigh safer. Better coordination with Wake County and nonprofits for unhoused.
3) Create more volunteer opportunities for citizens to become involved with tree planting and "adopt-a-creek. Utilize more green infrastructure. Leverage our incredible greenway network for tourism, commutes, and quality of life.
Endorsed by the following organizations:
AFL-CIO
Capital City Fire Fighters
Citizens for a Safe and Secure Raleigh
Equality NC
Homebuilders Association
Police Benevolent Association
Raleigh Wake Citizens Association
Sustainable Raleigh
Teamsters Local 391
Wake County Democratic Party
Wake County Voter Education Coalition
Position/philosophy statement
As we embark on the journey towards a stronger and more vibrant Raleigh, I want to bring a vision fueled by passion, experience and a commitment to addressing our most critical issues which are public safety, economy and housing.
Current Occupation
Mortgage Loan Officer
Age (optional)
55
Campaign Phone
919-612-0043
There are 5 candidates in the race for Mayor. I'm the only candidate who has presented actual plans to increase housing, broaden our tax base to employ more police officers (which we desperately need) and grow our economy. Other candidates talk about hopes, ideas and past offices, none of which have actually addressed plans to tackle our current issues. During this election we need a leader who can clearly identify our deficiencies who will work together with our General Assembly (not fight against them) to target underutilized properties to expand living in our city and make Raleigh vibrant once more. A leader who is not afraid to remove government waste rather than allowing waste to continue.
I'm the businessman that Raleigh needs.
Public Safety, Economy and Housing.
Because of Raleigh's growth we're actually 400 police officers short, to pay for them we need to broaden our housing tax base and build our economy. I have stated on my website www.FittsForRaleigh.com how these can all be accomplished. We need to get our state to relinquish underutilized properties such as the prisons to create owner occupied space. With a bolstered police presence crime, homelessness, drug use/distribution and vagrancies will drop immensely.
Raleigh has a list of geometric issues, our economy is struggling, our commercial property vacancies are at an all-time high, our crime rates are at all-time highs, murders are up 78% over last year, we have the greatest amount of homelessness ever...and we have a city council that has been Democrat led for 23 years.
If we continue electing the same party into leadership NOTHING WILL CHANGE. Democrats will continue to promise housing and not deliver, they will continue to promise lower crime rates but scale down our police force and businesses will continue to leave Raleigh. We need real business leaders to think outside the box in these challenging times. People who know when to pivot from plans to step in and avert a potential crisis. Raleigh has been missing actual leadership for two decades and that needs to change RIGHT NOW.
All I have ever done in business is produce…let me increase Raleigh’s production in a way that lowers taxes/costs and crime for you. FittsForRaleigh.com
Position/philosophy statement
United States
Current Occupation
Self Employed
Age (optional)
52
Campaign Phone
877-569-7425
I am a dedicated community advocate and leader known for my unwavering commitment to speaking up for the voiceless. With a 30+ year strong track record of grassroots activism and advocacy, I have consistently fought for equitable and inclusive policies, demonstrating exceptional leadership and a deep passion for addressing the needs of all residents. My proactive approach and dedication to community service make me a transformative figure in local politics.
Affordable Housing: Raleigh faces a severe affordability crisis, with rising property values displacing many residents. My priority is to redefine affordability by using Neighborhood Median Income (NMI) instead of the Area Median Income (AMI), ensuring housing reflects actual local incomes. I also support leveraging city-owned land to achieve 100% affordable housing. 2) Accessibility & Representation: I'll encourage the expansion of essential services, improve existing transit, and strengthen CACs to ensure diverse voices are heard. 3) Public Safety: We need to invest in community-based solutions that address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of opportunity, and inadequate housing.
My top priority is to redefine housing affordability by using Neighborhood Median Income (NMI) instead of Area Median Income (AMI). AMI often includes higher-income areas that inflate affordability metrics, making housing less accessible to low-income residents. NMI, however, focuses on the income levels within a specific neighborhood, ensuring that housing prices align with what local residents can afford. By using NMI, we can create housing solutions that truly reflect the needs of each community, making housing more affordable for everyone, especially in historically underserved areas.
My lived experience makes me a uniquely qualified candidate. I believe voters should make informed choices, not based on a name, but by the fruit that candidates bear through their actions. I am truly grassroots—unfunded by corporate interests or developers—and I have always been about serving the PEOPLE of Raleigh. My campaign is driven by a deep commitment to the community, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented. I stand with Raleigh’s residents, and my focus has always been on creating a city that works for everyone, not just a select few.
Position/philosophy statement
If Raleigh is going to change course to address the rising insecurities, then Raleigh will have to vote differently. TRUTH's campaign is different. Dr. Ruth is the best candidate to address the cities' urgent needs
Current Occupation
NC State University Professor
Campaign Phone
9198095032
Campaign Youtube URL
I bring a PhD in Policy and Public Affairs and I lecture on policy at NCSU. I have led national, state and local organizations. I am running for Mayor of Raleigh because our city stands at a critical crossroads. As we grow, we must ensure that this growth benefits everyone, not just a select few. Raleigh has a rich history, vibrant communities, and immense potential, but too many of our residents are being left behind. My campaign is about bringing everyone to the table, ensuring that all voices are heard, and creating a city that is just, equitable, and inclusive. This is not just about managing growth—it’s about guiding it in a way that serves all of us, particularly those who have been historically marginalized.
My top priorities reflect the needs and aspirations of our diverse community: Affordable Housing: Raleigh’s growth has led to rising housing costs, displacing long-time residents. My focus will be on ensuring that we provide affordable housing options for all income levels, from low-income families to middle-class workers. This includes promoting mixed-income developments, preserving existing affordable housing, and increasing funding for housing assistance programs. Community Engagement: True leadership listens. I will establish regular forums and town halls where residents can voice concerns. Public Safety: Our approach to public safety needs a reimagining. We must move beyond traditional policing and invest in community-based solutions.
In addition to zoning incentives, the city can provide direct funding for affordable housing projects, particularly through public-private partnerships. We can also offer low-interest loans to developers who are building affordable housing and provide subsidies or grants to non-profit organizations that focus on housing for low-income families. Another important tool is land banking, where the city acquires and holds land specifically for affordable housing development. We should also explore the use of city-owned properties for affordable housing projects, ensuring that these assets are used to benefit the community.
My background as an educator, community organizer, and advocate for social justice gives me a unique perspective on the challenges facing Raleigh. I bring a deep understanding of the systemic issues that create inequality and a commitment to addressing them head-on. My experience working with diverse communities has taught me the importance of listening, collaboration, and building consensus. I have a proven track record of leadership and a deep commitment to equity, which will guide every decision I make as Mayor.
Position/philosophy statement
"Let's Make It Happen" reflects my belief that lasting change comes from working together as one team. As an independent candidate, I have no political overlords—my loyalty is to the people of Raleigh.
Campaign Phone
9195619944
I’m a Raleigh native with a fresh, young mindset, giving me a unique perspective on the city’s growing pains. I have the courage to act, as shown by my volunteering in Ukraine, and I bring that same dedication to serving our community. As an independent, I’m not bound by party politics—I put Raleighites first, ensuring that decisions are made for the people, not for political gain. I focus on solutions that will benefit the city long-term, driven by my commitment to improving housing, public safety, and transit for all residents.
1. Housing: My top priority is tackling Raleigh's housing crisis by increasing the supply of affordable housing, preserving existing neighborhoods, and promoting smart, mixed-use developments. This will make housing more accessible to residents while reducing traffic and supporting public transit.
2. Mental Health: I will address Raleigh's mental health challenges by advocating for a new facility to provide necessary care for those struggling with homelessness and addiction, helping improve public safety and quality of life.
3. Public Transit: I plan to overhaul Raleigh’s public transit system to make it more efficient, accessible, and supportive of the city’s growth.
To address housing, I will focus on smart city planning by promoting mixed-use developments and updating zoning regulations to increase the supply of affordable housing. By working on deregulation, I’ll encourage more competition in the housing market, making it easier and faster to build affordable units. I will also push for policies like Community Land Management to preserve existing neighborhoods and protect long-term residents from displacement. Through collaboration with developers and city officials, we can ensure housing is accessible to all Raleighites.
Raleigh, as a capital city, has a unique responsibility—not just as a growing metro area, but as a political center that must plan wisely for the future. We’re at a critical crossroads where many residents can barely afford to live here, and emergency personnel struggle to earn enough to serve the city they protect. To address these challenges, my priorities are mental health, public transit, and building hope for the next generation.
Mental health is essential for addressing homelessness and addiction, and I will advocate for a new facility to provide care for those in need. Public transit is critical for reducing traffic and ensuring people can access jobs, services, and opportunities. I’ll work to create an efficient, accessible system that meets our city's growth. Building hope for the next generation means ensuring Raleigh remains affordable and forward-thinking, offering opportunities for young people to succeed. By working together, we can "Make It Happen."
