Election could move Raleigh City Council in new direction

Tuesday's elections could mean big changes in Raleigh's leadership.

Posted 9:09 p.m. Oct 9, 2019 — Updated 9:09 p.m. Oct 9, 2019

Adam Owens

, WRAL anchor/reporter

RALEIGH, N.C. — Tuesday's elections could mean big changes in Raleigh's leadership.

Mayor Nancy McFarlane was already on her way out, choosing not to seek a fifth two-year term. Former City Councilwoman Mary-Ann Baldwin and Raleigh attorney Charles Francis appear headed to a runoff election next month after topping a six-person race to succeed her.

But as many as four new faces could be on the seven-person City Council in December:

Patrick Buffkin will represent District A, which covers much of north Raleigh, after Councilman Dickie Thompson didn't seek re-election.
David Knight knocked off Councilwoman Stef Mendel in District E, which covers most of the area between Creedmoor Road and Wade Avenue in northwest Raleigh and stretches inside Interstate 440.
Councilwoman Kay Crowder trails Saige Martin in District D, which includes part of downtown and stretches south and southwest.
Councilman Russ Stephenson trails Jonathan Melton for one of two-at-large seats.

Both Crowder and Stephenson could call for runoffs next month, but neither has said so far that they would do so.

Only David Cox in District B, which covers northeast Raleigh; Corey Branch in District C, which covers part of downtown and stretches east and southeast; and at-large Councilwoman Nicole Stewart are sure bets to be sitting at the City Council table both now and in December.

October 2019 Election Results

"I am happy to see some changes, especially on the City Council," Raleigh resident Chad Bryant said, noting that he feels the growing city is being held back.

"It is unfortunate what they have done here with downtown, with the restrictions with scooters in particular," Bryant said. "I also welcome changes with Airbnb as well. I believe the city is way too restrictive with Airbnb."

In recent months, the City Council voted to impose limits on the number of rooms homeowners could rent out on Airbnb and the number of guests allowed. The council also imposed fees and other regulations on electric scooter companies, prompting operators Bird and Lime to pull their rental scooters from Raleigh.

Knight said he thinks the election made a clear statement.

"The residents of Raleigh wanted a change from the last two years," he said. "I think they wanted a collaborative and forward-thinking City Council."

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