Good morning. Mayor Mitch Colvin and Council Member Kathy Keefe Jensen have emerged as the top vote-getters in Fayetteville’s 2025 mayoral primary, advancing to the general election on Nov. 4.
The race drew 10 candidates, the city’s largest mayoral field in recent memory. Contenders included longtime civic leaders, small business owners, and first-time candidates — all vying for a seat that shapes Fayetteville’s approach to public safety, housing, infrastructure, and economic development. Current Council Members Mario Benavente and Courtney Banks-McLaughlin, both unsuccessful in their mayoral campaigns, will depart their elected roles in December.
Tuesday’s unofficial results, not yet final, are subject to a canvass scheduled for Oct. 14. Early voting for the general election starts next week on Oct. 16.
Welcome to CityView Today. Of Fayetteville’s nine city council districts, five had primaries yesterday. Find out below which city council candidates are advancing to the general election. Also, Columnist Bill Kirby Jr. was at the polls yesterday and had a chance to talk to voters and candidates; read his dispatch below. And in case you missed it, Hope Mills commissioners censured one of their own on Monday after receiving allegations that the board member made racially discriminatory comments.
Thanks for reading,
Maydha Devarajan
Editor-in-Chief
Mitch Colvin and Kathy Keefe Jensen advance in race for Fayetteville mayor
The incumbent mayor and council member emerged Tuesday night as the top vote-getters in Fayetteville’s 2025 mayoral primary and will face off in the general election on Nov. 4.
More from CityView
Incumbents, challengers move forward from Fayetteville City Council primaries
Districts 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9 had primaries. In November, eight of the nine districts will have competitive races.
THE KIRBY FILE: City residents trim mayoral finalists to two in better-than-anticipated voter turnout
You can read all about our two finalists for the city gavel and two finalists in the District 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 races in our reporting. We’ll burn the midnight oil for you.
ICYMI: Hope Mills commissioner censured over alleged discriminatory comments
Commissioners voted 3-2 to pass a resolution Monday censuring fellow board member Elyse Craver, who has been accused of making racially discriminatory comments.
Events
CHILDREN’S STORY TIME
- Where: Annie H. McEachern Library, 223 W. Broad St., St. Pauls
- When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. today
- What: Join us for a fun story time for children!
SOSHANA EXHIBITION
- Where: Red Springs Artspace, 200 S. Main St., Red Springs
- When: Noon-3 p.m. today
- What: Red Springs Artspace is pleased to present 100 works on paper by Soshana Afroyim.
FISHING WORKSHOP: BASIC KNOTS AND RIGGING
- Where: John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center, 7489 Raeford Road, Fayetteville
- When: 6-7:30 p.m. today
- What: Not sure how to rig your line the right way? Whether you’re brand new to fishing or just want to sharpen your skills, this hands-on workshop is the perfect place to start.
Obituaries
Linda Schmelzer Beatty
Linda Beatty passed away on Monday, Sept. 29.
Shane Timmothy Farrell
Shane Timmothy Farrell, 55, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 4.
Ah’Moni Zoey Floyd and Ah’Loni Khloe Floyd
Ah’Moni Zoey Floyd and Ah’Loni Khloe Floyd passed away on Friday, Oct. 3.
Until tomorrow!
🤩 You may have noticed a new byline in today’s newsletter! We’re excited to welcome aboard Rachel Heimann Mercader, our new government reporter, whose first day was Monday. On Thursday, we’ll have another addition to the team when our K-12 education reporter Dasia Williams starts. Stay tuned for a more in-depth intro, but for now, send tips and welcomes to rheimann@cityviewnc.com and dwilliams@cityviewnc.com.
~ Maydha
