Colvin’s Re-Election U-Turn Stuns Fayetteville

Fayetteville Mayoral Race Sees Unexpected Twists as Filing Deadline Closes

The political landscape in Fayetteville is set for a dramatic shift as the filing deadline for the 2025 municipal elections has passed, revealing a crowded field of candidates and some surprising last-minute entries. The mayoral race, in particular, has become a focal point with unforeseen developments that promise a competitive and engaging campaign season.

One of the most notable surprises is the decision by current Mayor Mitch Colvin to seek reelection. Colvin had previously announced in June that he would not be running again. However, he reversed his decision just before the filing deadline, citing concerns about stability and continuity within the city government.

“I had all intentions to not file for reelection. I made an announcement publicly and I just looked at the end of this filing period and there were a lot of potential changes for this board; and I had a lot of citizens from all races and partisan and nonpartisan backgrounds who were concerned with the stability of the council,” Colvin stated. He emphasized that his decision was driven by a desire to ensure the community is well-positioned for the future, especially given the leadership transitions already underway.

Colvin pointed to the recent swearing-in of a new police chief, the arrival of a new Cumberland County Schools Superintendent, and the retirement of Sheriff Ennis Wright as examples of significant changes requiring a steady hand at the helm. He also highlighted ongoing projects and crucial decisions, such as the collaboration with the county on the 911 system, infrastructure improvements, and partnerships with Fayetteville State University, as reasons for his renewed commitment to the mayor’s office.

A Crowded Field of Challengers

Adding another layer of intrigue to the mayoral race is Councilwoman Courtney Banks-McLaughlin, who initially filed for reelection to her District 8 seat but then switched gears to run for mayor on the final day of filing. Banks-McLaughlin expressed her gratitude to her District 8 constituents and outlined her intention to engage with the community to address their concerns and foster growth.

Banks-McLaughlin is not the only council member seeking to unseat Colvin. Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Jensen and Council member Mario Benavente had previously announced their mayoral bids, setting the stage for a multi-candidate contest.

Former Councilwoman Tisha Waddell has also entered the race, adding another experienced voice to the mix. Waddell, who previously represented District 3, resigned from her seat in November 2021, alleging unethical behavior within the City Council. She is now seeking to return to public service as mayor.

Other candidates vying for the mayor’s seat include John Ashford, Freddie de la Cruz, Clifton L. Johnson, Nahlee Iris Smith, and former Council member Paul A. Williams, creating a diverse and competitive field of contenders.

Other Municipal Races in Cumberland County

Beyond the high-profile mayoral race in Fayetteville, numerous other municipal elections are taking place across Cumberland County. Here’s a breakdown of the candidates who have filed in various towns and districts:

Fayetteville City Council:

• District 1: Jamie Davis, Stephon Ferguson, Theodore Melkoumov, James L. Thomas III
• District 2: Malik Davis (incumbent), Gail Morfesis, Joseph (Joey) Thames
• District 3: Antonio Jones, Jeremy Wright
• District 4: Stuart A. Collick, D.J. Haire (incumbent)
• District 5: Lynne Bissette Greene (incumbent), Rick Murillo
• District 6: Kenneth E. Odegard II, Derrick Thompson (incumbent)
• District 7: Dwight France, J’Kwan Fulmore, Kathy A. Greggs, Brenda McNair (incumbent), Khalil Younger
• District 8: Rodney E. Garvin, Mahmoud A. (Travis) Hamed, Shaun McMillan, Robbie Poole
• District 9: Deno Hondros (incumbent), Gary A. Hunt, Joe McGee

Hope Mills:

• Mayor: Jessie Bellflowers (incumbent), Todd Henderson
• Board of Commissioners (five seats): Elyse Craver (incumbent), Cynthia Hamilton, Mark Hess, Bryan A. Marley (incumbent), Grilley J. Mitchell, Hope Page, Karen Smith Saracen, Joanne Scarola (incumbent), Ronald Starling, Lisa F. Tremmel

Spring Lake:

• Mayor: Kia Anthony (incumbent), Robyn Chadwick
• Board of Commissioners (five seats): Ryan C. Anderson, Stachia Arnold, Katrina Bell Bratcher, Tony Burgess, Sona L. Cooper (incumbent), Jackie Lee Jackson, Mary C. Jackson, Dedra Parker, Tyrone Short, Fredericka Sutherland, Adrian Jones Thompson (incumbent)

Eastover:

• Mayor: Charles G. McLaurin (incumbent)
• Town Council (three seats): Wayne Beard Jr., Kimberly F. McPhail (incumbent), Bruce Sykes (incumbent)

Falcon:

• Mayor: James Danny Nelson Jr., Clifton L. Turpin Jr.
• Board of Commissioners (four seats): Sue Brigman, R. Dwayne Dunning (incumbent), Dylan H. Ivey, Chip Lucas, Chris Stone, Phillip J. Walters

Godwin:

• Mayor: Willie Burnette (incumbent)
• Board of Commissioners (four seats): George Cooper Jr. (incumbent), Scarlet McIntyre Hall (incumbent), Ronald McNeill (incumbent), Dennis C. Smith Sr., Joseph Smith (incumbent)

Linden:

• Mayor: Frances Collier (incumbent)
• Board of Commissioners (five seats): Jonathan Collier (incumbent), Barbara C. Denning (incumbent), Michael Hough, Ronnie S. Maness (incumbent)

Stedman:

• Mayor: Martin (Mardy) Jones Jr. (incumbent)
• Board of Commissioners (two seats): Louis Wood (incumbent)

Wade:

• Mayor: Johnny Lanthorn (incumbent)
• Board of Commissioners (five seats): Kevin Herring (incumbent), Beth Ritchie (incumbent), Johnny B. Sawyer (incumbent), George E. Strater, Jennifer Dixon Weaver (incumbent)

Cumberland-Eastover Sanitary District Board (two seats):

• Helen Crumpler (incumbent), Liz Reeser (incumbent)

Election Dates and Procedures

With a large number of candidates in many of the races, primary elections are scheduled for October 7. The top two vote-getters in each race will then advance to the general election on November 4. This election cycle promises to be a pivotal moment for Fayetteville and Cumberland County as voters decide who will lead their communities into the future.