Fayetteville City Council Member Kathy Keefe Jensen announced Monday she is running to become Fayetteville’s next mayor.
Jensen is currently the mayor pro tem and serves as the District 1 representative on the Fayetteville City Council. Jensen first confirmed her candidacy to CityView in late March, but the announcement from her campaign marks the longtime councilwoman’s formal entrance into what is shaping up to be a competitive mayoral election this fall.
“I love this city. Fayetteville raised me, and for the last 12 years, I’ve poured my heart into serving it,” Jensen said in her announcement. “Now, I’m ready to lead it. As mayor, I’ll bring the experience, stability, and passion we need to make Fayetteville safer, more connected, and more prosperous — for every family, every neighborhood, and every generation to come.”
A Fayetteville native and mother of four, Jensen has represented District 1 on the city council since 2013, including two terms as mayor pro tem. In addition to her public service, Jensen is the owner of the local small business, An Affair to Remember, a formalwear shop on Ramsey Street. Jenson has served on numerous public boards and commissions at the local, regional and state levels, including youth councils, economic development groups and military affairs committees.
On the city council, Jensen is known for her strong support of Fort Bragg and strengthening the city’s ties with it, often stating: “We are the largest neighbor to the largest military installation in the world.”
The announcement states that Jensen’s campaign will revolve around “strengthening public safety, promoting strategic growth, expanding recreational and educational opportunities and delivering high-quality city services.”
“Over the last 12 years, she has helped guide the city through historic investments—more than $800 million in infrastructure, recreation, and development projects—while championing broadband expansion, public safety initiatives, and strategic partnerships to strengthen the local economy,” the announcement states.
Jensen’s brother, Jimmy Keefe, is a former member of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners. If Jensen wins the election, she will be the second female mayor in Fayetteville’s history. The first was Beth Finch, who served as mayor from 1975 to 1981.
Jensen is running against Mayor Mitch Colvin, Council Member Mario Benavente and previous mayoral candidate Freddie de la Cruz. The primary election is set for Oct. 7, with the general election on Nov. 4.
Government accountability reporter Evey Weisblat can be reached at eweisblat@cityviewnc.com or 216-527-3608.
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