Charlotte mayoral race heats up as candidates begin filing

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Vi Lyles is officially running for mayor.

Lyles was surrounded by supporters when she went to the Board of Elections on Tuesday afternoonto file her candidacy.

"Charlotte's a fast-growing city, but we can't leave anybody behind," Lyles said.

The Democratic candidate is the former budget director and assistant city manager.

Mayoral candidate Vi Lyles preparing to officially file for Charlotte Mayor. @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/P5pmghASyk
— Tina Terry (@TinaTerryWSOC9) July 11, 2017

Several other candidates have announced they’re running for mayor, including current Mayor Jennifer Roberts, Democratic state Sen. Joel Ford and Republican candidate Kenny Smith.

In a strategic move, Charlotte's Black Political Caucus endorsed Lyles.

"Because we did have more than one candidate of color in the mayoral category and we didn't want to split the African-American vote," said Colette Forrest, chairwoman of the Black Political Caucus.

In Charlotte, about 63 percent of registered Democratic voters are African-American. Forrest said some are concerned a split of the black vote between Lyles and Ford could lead to a victory for Roberts.

Lyles and Ford told Channel 9 in April that they agreed someone other than Roberts needs to win in November. But when asked Tuesday, both said they're still in the race and focused on winning.

"I think it's important for voters to understand if you like the way the city is going and in that direction, you vote for Roberts or Vi Lyles. If you want to change, you vote for Joel Ford," Ford said.

Meanwhile, Roberts' campaign touted a recent study claiming she has a 14-point lead over the competition and showing a seven-point lead with African-American voters.

"Our team is feeling enthusiastic. We have great polling numbers. We do great in our fundraising," Roberts said.

Ford said he plans to file next week while Roberts will file her candidacy Thursday. Another lesser known candidate, Constance Partee, filed for the seat Monday.

It's not clear when Smith will officially file his candidacy. He has raised the most in campaign contributions at $260,000.

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