CHARLOTTE — Charlotte City Councilman Malcolm Graham is the first person to dip their toes in the 2027 waters.
[ ALSO READ: Charlotte City Council selects Rob Harrington as interim mayor ]
In a news conference on Monday morning, Graham said he has set up an exploratory committee on whether to run for Charlotte mayor in 2027. Graham has represented District 2 since 2019. Prior to that, he served 10 years in the North Carolina State Senate.
Graham says if he doesn’t run for mayor, he likely will not run for office in 2027.
He says he is talking to his family and supporters about a possible run.
Candidate filing for the mayoral seat opens in July 2027. Interim Mayor Rob Harrington has said he will not run for the position. Harrington is replacing Mayor Vi Lyles, who is resigning from her seat Tuesday in order to spend more time with family.