Mayor Roberts surprised after loss in Democratic primary

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts was just as surprised as others by her 10-point loss in the Democratic primary.

Roberts’ term has been quite turbulent.

Channel 9 reporter Tina Terry spoke with Roberts two days after losing to Mayor Pro Tem Vi Lyles in the primary.

"I think we were surprised, but not to a devastating extent,” Roberts said. “We certainly had data that showed I was well received in the community, that all the accomplishments I received in the last two years were well received.”

But critics said the writing was on the wall for Roberts, whose term was full of controversies from the Keith Lamont Scott shooting to the non-discrimination ordinance,which pushed state lawmakers to draft the controversial House Bill 2, which pushed Charlotte into the national spotlight and led to a loss of millions for the state.

Terry asked Roberts if she would do anything different pertaining the non-discrimination ordinance.

"I'm proud for standing up for Equality,” Roberts said.

Roberts said any loss to the state falls on the shoulders of lawmakers who drafted HB2.

Another controversy came after the Keith Lamont Scott shooting. Critics said Roberts threw Charlotte-Meckenburg police Chief Kerr Putney under the bus as he weighed whether to release police video of the shooting.

Terry asked Roberts if she feels there was some truth to that.

“Absolutely not,” Roberts said. “After I called out the need for transparency, I did not call out the chief. I called for transparency.“

Roberts said Charlotte has taken steps toward being more transparent since the shooting.

In November, another leader will step in and take the office.

Roberts said she will consider returning to public office in the future.

"I will sit down and think of what comes next,” Roberts said.

Lyles will take on Republican Kenny Smith in the mayoral election in November.

Cox Media Group