Anthony Foxx Is Charlotte's New Mayor

Democrat Anthony Foxx is the first new mayor in Charlotte in 14 years. More than 21 percent of registered voters in Mecklenburg County voted in Tuesday's election. Foxx beat Republican John Lassiter by about 3,000 votes.

Foxx's campaign said the new mayor-elect will not plan to make any public appearances or speak to the media Wednesday, but he may be available Thursday. Lassiter said he plans to leave for the beach and recharge his batteries. Lassiter said he knew his campaign was in trouble as he watched huge turnout in heavily Democratic precincts on the west side. He said he has no plans to run for office again.

Eyewitness News was at both candidates’ parties in uptown Charlotte as the results came in. Lassiter told supporters he tried calling Foxx to congratulate the new mayor, but Foxx’s voicemail box was full. Moments later, Foxx returned Lassiter’s phone call.

• VIDEO: Anthony Foxx's Victory Speech

Foxx is the first Democrat since the late ‘80s to be the mayor of Charlotte and the second black man to serve in the position.

Foxx spent the afternoon speaking with voters out to lunch, including making a stop at Green’s Lunch on West Fourth Street. Afterwards, he crisscrossed the city, going to as many precincts and trying to reach as many voters as possible.

Foxx watched the vote totals come in at The Westin in uptown Charlotte. Thank you for participating. Do you think the change from a Republican mayor to a Democratic mayor will have a big impact on Charlotte? Do you think the change from a Republican mayor to a Democratic mayor will have a big impact on Charlotte? Yes No

Lassiter and his wife voted at Providence Presbyterian Church shortly after dawn Tuesday. Foxx and his wife voted at First Ward Elementary School in uptown Charlotte a short time later.

Lassiter then spent the day hitting precincts looking for last-minute votes, huddling with his family and, as he put it, getting his head ready for whatever happens.

Lassiter watched the vote totals come in at the Epicenter.

Incumbent Mayor Pat McCrory did not seek re-election this year after serving seven terms. He is the longest-serving mayor in the city’s history.

• VIDEO: Eyewitness News Sits Down With Mayoral Candidate John Lassiter (R) • VIDEO: Eyewitness News Sits Down With Mayoral Candidate Anthony Foxx (D)

Previous Stories: November 3, 2009: Mayoral Candidates Ready To Watch Vote Totals Roll In November 2, 2009: Candidates Make 11th-Hour Push In Mayoral Race October 30, 2009: Should Charlotte Mayor Position Be Full-Time? October 30, 2009: Charlotte Mayor Candidate Says Flier Is 'Dirty Politics' October 28, 2009: Mayoral Candidates Take Different Stances On Local Campaign Dollars October 25, 2009: Thousands Cast Early Votes In Mecklenburg County October 22, 2009: Mayoral Candidates Make Home-Stretch Push At Barbecue, On TV October 13, 2009: Charlotte Mayoral Candidates Weigh In On Mall's Future September 28, 2009: Charlotte Mayoral Debate Canceled After Candidate Withdraws September 16, 2009: Lassiter Easily Wins Charlotte GOP Mayoral Primary August 27, 2009: Early Voting Begins In Charlotte August 19, 2009: Campaign Contributions Could Hint At Next Charlotte Mayor July 31, 2009: Candidates In Charlotte Mayoral Race Raise Big Money