CHARLOTTE — With the announcement of Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles’ resignation comes questions about who will step in to lead for the remainder of her term and who will position themselves to carry on her legacy in the next election.
[ READ MORE >> Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles announces resignation ]
North Carolina state law says in cities whose elections are conducted on a partisan basis, the person who fills the vacancy must be a member of the same political party, so Charlotte City Council will appoint a Democrat to serve as mayor for the remainder of Lyles’ term.
However, this person does not have to be on council already. With several councilmembers expected to run for the seat in November 2027, Channel 9’s Government Reporter Joe Bruno said it wouldn’t be surprising if an outsider stepped in as interim mayor. The likely candidate will be someone who has expressed no interest in running for mayor next year.
Potential 2027 mayoral candidates include:
- Dimple Ajmera
- Malcolm Graham
- Dante Anderson
- Victoria Watlington
- James Mitchell
- Mark Jerel
- Leigh Altman
- JD Mazuera Arias
- Jennifer Roberts
- LaWana Mayfield
According to a release from Mayor Lyles’ chief communications officer, she will not be endorsing a candidate to fill her seat at this time.
Tune in to Eyewitness News at noon and 5 p.m. for continuing team coverage on the announcement.