Charlotte interim mayoral race heats up with final interviews on Thursday

CHARLOTTE — The battle for interim Charlotte mayor enters a new phase on Thursday with the final five candidates. Mayor Vi Lyles announced she is resigning effective June 30.

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Charlotte City Council will grill each of the following candidates:

Former Democratic Charlotte Councilman Harold Cogdell
Longtime civic leader Carrie Cook
N.C. Bar Association President Robert Harrington
Incumbent Democratic Charlotte City Councilman James Mitchell
Democratic State Sen. Caleb Theodros

5 finalists vie for Charlotte mayoral seat

The interviews lasted about three hours.

Each candidate gave their commitment not to run for Charlotte mayor in 2027.

Each person being interviewed answered questions about how they would cooperate and work with council, how they would handle growth, and what their priorities would be during their interim period.

“I do think I’m the most prepared to do this, and I hope that I do get all your support,” Theodros said.

“I encourage you to look at the qualification, the skill set of the applicants. Ask yourself, who do you think you could work with?” Cogdell said.

“I want to create a culture that is about collaborating,” Mitchell said. “Meeting with the mayor one-on-one and seeking your input.”

“Collaboration, communication, transparency,” Harrington said. “Figuring out how to work together on an orderly, continue to work together in an orderly manner are what I would hope would be hallmarks of these 18 months.”

“It’s just a great joy to continue to build a life here, and I look forward to continuing to partner with you to do that for our residents,” Cook said.

City council members have Friday and the weekend to make up their minds. They will be making their pick on Monday.

Council member Malcolm Graham says it will be a tough choice.

“Everyone really represented themselves well and really demonstrated a clear understanding of the priorities for the city of Charlotte,” said Graham.

Candidates were also asked what they think is the biggest issue the city faces. Mitchell said public safety. Cook said managing growth. Theodros said that ensuring council members and the mayor work together on the same goals. Harrington said affordable housing. Cogdell said there were too many to choose just one.

Council members also voted on the procedure for Monday’s vote.

If anyone gets six or more votes, they will be the interim mayor.

If not, the two candidates with the most votes will advance to a runoff.

Council members will keep voting until someone wins on Monday.