2025 Fayetteville Voter Guide: Meet the candidates & get info on voting
About the 2025 Fayetteville Election for Mayor & City Council
Tuesday, Nov. 4 : Election Day
(Polls open on Election Day 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.)
• Find your Election Day polling place
WHAT DOES THE CITY COUNCIL DO?
The Mayor and the other members of the City Council make a wide range of decisions affecting your life. The City Council sets policies and priorities, and oversees the many functions of local government, including:
• The Police & Fire Departments
• Economic & Community Development
• Anti-Discrimination Ordinances
• Appointments to Boards & Committees
• Water & Waste Disposal
• Tax Rates & the City Budget
• Affordable Housing
• Streets, Sidewalks & Road Repair
• City Govt. Employee Wages & Benefits
• Recreation, Parks & Arts Programs
HOW ARE THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL ELECTED?
Members of the Fayetteville City Council are elected in nonpartisan races, meaning candidates do not appear with a political party label on the ballot.
The Mayor is elected citywide, while the other members are elected from districts.
Find your Fayetteville City Council district
MEET THE CANDIDATES FOR FAYETTEVILLE MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL
All candidates have been invited to participate in this voter guide by answering a few questions. Responses from the candidates are below.
Candidates for Fayetteville Mayor
Mitch Colvin
Background: 10 years experience, 2 term council District Representative and 4 terms as Mayor
Why are you running for this office? During uncertain times we need stable, proven, and experienced leadership more than ever. Together we have made tremendous progress in this city and we have to keep the progress going. The relationship established on the federal and state levels over the years will be a useful tool for our community to keep resources flowing.
What are your top priorities if elected? 1. Preparing a well trained and viable workforce which is the key metric in attracting high paying jobs. Currently we have formed a collaborative partnership which includes our community college, universities, k-12 schools, health system and county government. Completion of the work force ecosystem is critical. 2. Continuing to close our housing gap by expansion of the homeownership program, and incentivizing multi-family development in our retail areas for more live, work and play spaces. 3. Expand technology and personnel in the Police Department. Expand partnerships in youth programming.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? Expand initiatives like Fayetteville Next, a 2018 initiative of mine. Double our paid internships for college students to learn about city government.
Kathy Keefe Jensen
Background: Serving on council for over 10 years I have made sure that I have been on every board and commission to learn the job from the bottom up. I have been invited to tables, locally, state, and federal, that have opened doors for the city of Fayetteville. Now I am ready to walk us through those doors to build a future for every resident.
Why are you running for this office? As a lifelong resident, I love Fayetteville. I’m running for mayor to ensure future generations can thrive here. My experience as a small business owner taught me resilience and perseverance. Having served on the City Council for a decade, I’ve secured funding for airport upgrades, broadband expansion, and new parks. I’ve built strong partnerships with military leaders and our congressional delegation. I’m ready to lead with integrity, balancing public safety with economic growth to create a prosperous future for all.
What are your top priorities if elected? To lead our regional economy, Fayetteville must prioritize growth. I’ll ensure public safety is the foundation by supporting technology and school security. As a business owner, I’ll cut red tape and partner with local colleges for career pipelines. Strengthening our Fort Bragg partnership, pursuing smart growth, and creating attainable housing will secure our place as a regional leader where families can thrive.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? As I look to become your next mayor, I am incredibly proud of my involvement in the starting of two key organizations for our young people: the Fayetteville-Cumberland Youth Council and Fayetteville Next. These are not just programs; they are foundational tools for youth engagement. The Youth Council gives our high school students a direct voice in city affairs, teaching them to be our next generation of leaders. For our young professionals, Fayetteville Next helps us create the vibrant community they want to live in, ensuring our best and brightest stay right here in Fayetteville.
Candidates for Fayetteville City Council – District 1
Stephon Ferguson
Background: I am a lifelong resident of Fayetteville, a graduate of the Cumberland County Schools and a Veteran Sergeant in the U.S. Army here at Fort Bragg. I have had the honor of serving on several boards and commissions over the years including as a charter member of the Ethics Commission and most recently as a member of the Fayetteville Planning Commission. I served as a news reporter covering Fayetteville news for nearly a decade at Fayetteville’s first radio station, WFNC. I have earned 4 undergraduate degrees from FSU and GSU, 2 Master’s and 1 Doctoral degree from Morehouse School of Religion.
Why are you running for this office? Because I believe in the Vision. The Vision I have for District 1 and the city of Fayetteville is one of Growth, Safety, and Opportunity. I want to help build a community where families feel secure, business can thrive, and everyone has a voice in shaping our future. I am committed to listening to resident’ concerns, collaborating with community leaders, and taking action that benefits all residents.
What are your top priorities if elected? Promote equitable growth, maintain and improve essential services (streets, sidewalks, utilities, parks), and support local businesses, emphasizing opportunities for youth and families to thrive. Support policies that protect families and neighborhoods while ensuring good use of resources, collaboration with law enforcement, neighborhood associations, and faith-based organizations to reduce crime and build trust. Encourage programs that emphasize character, ethics, and civic responsibility; Maintain accessible channels for constituents, hold regular town halls, and be transparent.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? I would work to make sure that all students in area schools, colleges, and universities are aware of the primary youth organization that works with the Fayetteville City Council. The Fayetteville-Cumberland Youth Council (FCYC) is a youth-led group that serves as a channel for young people to communicate with city officials and advocate for community betterment. The FCYC focuses on leadership development, character building, and providing youth a voice in local government matters. I also want to help implement a Youth Hub for all youth organizations and initiatives in the city.
James L. Thomas III
Background: I am a lifelong Fayetteville resident and graduate of Pine Forest High School’s Academy of Information Technology. I earned my bachelor’s in IT from North Carolina A&T and am pursuing a master’s in Project Management at Wake Forest. I served as Vice Chair of the Fayetteville-Cumberland Youth Council, mentored youth, and worked with MDC, Microsoft, and Fayetteville PACT. These experiences, along with personal ties to issues like gun violence and homelessness, uniquely prepare me to serve District 1.
Why are you running for this office? The murder rate in Fayetteville is three times the national average currently. The average age is 24.8 years old; I am 25. So that means nine times out of ten, the people who are victims and/or suspects alike, I have been to school with, been to sporting events with, and sat in the same rooms with, and I feel like nobody should have survivor’s guilt for a city they grew up in. My heart is in this city, and I want to make it safe for not only those affected by gun violence but also those who are struggling with homelessness, small businesses, and ADA Accessibility.
What are your top priorities if elected? My top priorities are youth empowerment, infrastructure accountability, and affordable housing. Strengthening programs like PROOVE and OCS with mentorship and job training will reduce youth violence. Improving oversight and vetting ensures stalled projects get finished, giving residents safer roads and reliable services. Supporting facilities like Fay Cares and building affordable housing provides stability for families, helping our community grow stronger together.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? I would strengthen the Fayetteville-Cumberland Youth Council, where I once served as Vice Chair, to ensure high school students continue to have a pipeline into civic leadership. For college students, being 25 myself, it’ll be easier for me to build frequent connections with campus political parties and student groups, holding regular listening sessions and inviting them into City Council discussions. Young people deserve a voice in shaping the policies that directly affect their future. I will lead by example as well.
Candidates for Fayetteville City Council – District 2
Malik Davis
No response yet from candidate
Gail Morfesis
No response yet from candidate
Candidates for Fayetteville City Council – District 3
Antonio Jones
Background: Lifelong District 3 resident, former City Councilman (2021–2022), and active civic leader. I’ve consistently attended Council work sessions, budget hearings, and served as a State Political Coordinator and Commissioner with a State Leadership Academy. My focus is on transparency, education, and public trust. Honored with the Key to the City and the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, I bring purpose-driven leadership, proven service, and a heart for people, with results.
Why are you running for this office? As a lifelong resident of District 3, I’m running to restore trust in local government through transparency, action, and consistent service. I’ve served as a City Councilman, State Political Coordinator, and Leadership Academy Commissioner. My focus is on people, that’s my purpose—listening to concerns, educating residents, and delivering results. With proven experience, a heart for service, and a record of engagement, I’m committed to safer streets, youth support, and accountable leadership that unites and uplifts our community.
What are your top priorities if elected? Homelessness must be met with urgency and compassion. I support creating emergency shelters and transitional housing with wraparound services like job training, mental health care, and workforce development. Public Safety means reducing gun violence, investing in youth programs, infrastructure, walkability and ensuring first responders have the tools they need to protect our neighborhoods. Economic Development requires attracting livable-wage jobs, supporting small businesses, and expanding skills training to build a stronger, self-sufficient workforce.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? To give young people a voice in local government, I support expanding advisory roles, empowering our Youth Council to share input on key issues like gun violence, housing, and recreation. I’d partner with schools and colleges for nonpartisan voter registration drives and civic education. Where possible, student reps should serve on boards and commissions. Social media campaigns can also keep young residents informed. Feedback loops will ensure youth voices are heard, valued, and reflected in decision-making.
Jeremy Wright
No response yet from candidate
Candidates for Fayetteville City Council – District 4
Stuart A. Collick
Background: I have spoken at the White House for veterans homeless bill in 2001 /HR2716 Stuart A Collick and Heather French/Ms America. At the time and ever since I have been with holding up for all the homeless and I work with community alliance awareness for homeless. I was supervisor for the VA hospital in Lyons, NJ, and accomplished a 150 beds dormitory for homeless vets and brought some houses in Plainfield, NJ, made rooming houses, built apartments on the VA hospital and greenhouse to sell vegetables and helped veterans to get jobs in the hospital and different places.
Why are you running for this office? Because there is a need to help build this city to make it a wonderful place to live and raise your children. And this is the biggest city in North Carolina because we have the residents and we have the biggest military post in the military and with that makes our city the largest in North Carolina, and should be a city that honors our Veterans and family and make them proud to stay here and just as while our citizens, because this can be great with the right leadership. And making every leader in this city be accountable and responsible and take pride in the city leadership makes the city.
What are your top priorities if elected? The water situation because it floods the whole city when it rains and I feel it should have been taken care of a long time ago and with populations and homeowners, which is an investment, don’t want to be destroyed and cost more to fix instead of enjoying the investment. And start having the district leaders check in with the people that they are assigned to for their well-being and concerns.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? My thing is that everyone has a right to be heard and no one is greater than the other, and if we give a listening ear, we might get some ideas that we didn’t think about. So with that, you have to be willing to listen and not ignore, because they are citizens, too, and never know they might want to work in the government, and if you deny them at young age, you might have destroyed their dreams and future. And the main and most important thing is that you don’t know who is who, because they are young doesn’t mean they don’t know, because they might have been watching how they can make a difference.
D.J. Haire
Background: Presently a member of the Fayetteville City Council, the City Chair of our Appointments & Audit Committees, and a member of our City Policy Committee. I’m a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, hold an associate’s degree from Destiny Bible College, and have an honorary Doctorate from The Upper Room Theological University. Life Member of NAACP, Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., recipient of the North Carolina Long Leaf Pine. I’m most proud of my strong attendance and relationships with my District 4 neighborhoods; I rarely miss a meeting.
Why are you running for this office? I come from a family lineage of giving back to our community. I truly believe this core value was passed to me and all my siblings, from our parents & grandparents. I love helping my city residents with their concerns. Being a native son of Fayetteville, I love seeing my city grow.
What are your top priorities if elected? 1. I have several top priorities, but let me share the top priorities I hear from my Residents often. Clean city & neighborhood streets & safety. I will continue to strongly push that our clean city policies are enforced, from both the city and the citizen side. I’m always pushing our staff; if it’s curbside pickup, if yards are overgrown, tag it and get it cut and cleaned. When new businesses & visitors visit our city, they see how clean our city is 1st! 2. Police Safety: I’ll continue to support our FPD wage step plan, and support additional tools our Police need for their toolbox.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? Presently, we have a city volunteer board named Next, of which I’m the Chair of our Appointment Committee. This Board is particular for our youth voices, but all Boards & Committees are open to them. We also have a city intern program. This is where our young adults can work within the city government in their areas of interest and learn about government responsibilities and maybe a future employment. The city also offers a public forum monthly, where residents can come speak to their elected body.
Candidates for Fayetteville City Council – District 5
Lynne Bissette Greene
No response yet from candidate
Candidates for Fayetteville City Council – District 6
Kenneth E. Odegard II
No response yet from candidate
Derrick Thompson
Background: Retired Military serving over 21 years, Retired Postal worker of over 15 years, served as President of one of the largest HOA’s in the city, Served 2 terms as City Councilman for District 6
Why are you running for this office? I know that I’m the best candidate because I’m a public servant at heart, my faith keeps me grounded and my passion for this city keeps me motivated. Growing up in Philadelphia as a child I encountered an eye-awakening experience as a child (fighting for the needs of the community) and it has continued throughout my life. I’m a firm believer in fighting for what is right and want to continue that legacy by representing the residents of District 6 and the Can Do City of Fayetteville. Our district needs Stable, Experienced and Proven leadership.
What are your top priorities if elected? Public Safety – So far we have increase pay to an unprecedented rate for our first responders, we have incentives for first time homebuyers to help with retention, we have increased funding for new technology like gunshot detection, cameras and drones, implemented funding for LPR’S (license Plate Readers). Housing – I believe housing is critical for the growth of any city. The southwest part of Fayetteville is booming with growth (district 6) because the rest of the city is landlocked. Additional housing will lower cost, increased funding inventory, and create more economic development.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? We have our Fayetteville Next Commission. It was established to attract, retain, and engage younger residents from 19-39 years of age. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for young adults through targeted event programming, community outreach, and making Fayetteville a better place to live. We ask them to speak to council about economic development, social matters, events, etc, that affect the youth in our city. We need their participation, encouragement, connection, and their assistance so we can keep our talented young people here in the city.
Candidates for Fayetteville City Council – District 7
Kathy A. Greggs
Background: U.S. Army Combat Veteran, business owner, and 17-year federal civil servant with 25+ years of leadership. Led Fayetteville PACT for police accountability, housing, and public safety reform. Chaired Public Arts Commission, FEMA disaster coordinator, and Teen Court Judge. Proven record of fighting for workers, securing resources, and serving with transparency. Prepared to deliver accountable, results-driven leadership for District 7.
Why are you running for this office? I’m running to bring transparent, accountable leadership to District 7. As a U.S. Army Combat Veteran, federal civil servant, and community advocate, I’ve spent decades serving Fayetteville. I will fight for safer neighborhoods, stronger infrastructure, and affordable housing. An open government that works for the people and not behind closed doors.
What are your top priorities if elected? My priorities are infrastructure, public safety, and transparency. I’ll fight flooding, fix roads, and improve stormwater systems. I’ll strengthen community safety partnerships so families feel secure. I’ll bring real-time budget tracking and open forums for accountability. I will not take a salary, proving service is about principle, not pay. These priorities mean safer streets, stronger neighborhoods, and a city government that works for the people. Together, these priorities build trust, strengthen our neighborhoods, and create a city where every resident feels safe, supported, and heard.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? For me, empowering young people is the heart of why I serve. Through my movement to Empower A Legacy, I’ve worked to train youth in civic action, leadership, and advocacy. I’ve seen firsthand how young voices, when guided and equipped, can reshape communities for the better. My hope is that every young person in our city sees themselves not as spectators, but as decision-makers shaping their future. Whether it’s housing, jobs, or public safety, they deserve a seat at the table. Investing in their leadership now builds a stronger Fayetteville tomorrow.
Brenda McNair
Background: I am a lifelong advocate for our community, proudly rooted in Raeford, NC. I graduated with honors in Business Administration from Ashford University and have dedicated over 35 years to public service in Fayetteville, where I’ve lived for 25 years. My experience includes community organizing with various non-profits, addressing housing inequities, community safety and enhancing access to education. Also, I am a military parent. I’m passionate about social justice, environmental sustainability, and economic development, advocating for transparent and inclusive local governance.
Why are you running for this office? By running for office, I aim to empower my community by addressing pressing local issues, and create a brighter future for everyone. My vision, dedication and experience makes me an idea candidate for City Council.
What are your top priorities if elected? Community safety, economic development, build a functioning city at its best
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? Campus Partnerships, Youth Advisory Board, Social Media Outreach Civic Education Program, Incentives for Engagement, Interactive Events, Leverage Technology, Highlight Success Stories, Collaborative Project, Mentoring Opportunities.
Candidates for Fayetteville City Council – District 8
Rodney E. Garvin
No response yet from candidate
Shaun McMillan
Background: I am a lifelong resident of Fayetteville with an extensive background as a retired US Army Officer, a secondary education teacher, and a community organizer. I am currently one of many local organizers fighting to enact critical initiatives aimed at enhancing community safety. Our efforts have contributed to the establishment of an Office of Community Safety (OCS), a crucial step towards implementing comprehensive and proactive safety strategies. My vision for Fayetteville is one where everyone feels secure, heard, and actively involved in shaping the future of their community.
Why are you running for this office? We face a continued assault on human rights and democracy from the current presidential administration, impacting everything from our educational systems and access to affordable healthcare to environmental protections and basic civil liberties. We need strong, principled leadership right here at home to protect our values and build a resilient future. We will be working tirelessly to address the issues that matter most, from fostering housing affordability and food security to ensuring community safety and promoting equitable opportunities for all.
What are your top priorities if elected? A Safe Community: True safety is community-driven. I’ll champion initiatives addressing root causes of crime like generational poverty and promote economic mobility, living wages, & affordable housing. A Transparent & Accountable City Council: It’s time for systemic reforms empowering residents through participatory budgeting and governance. Your tax dollars and priorities should be decided by and with you. An Empowered District 8. Strong community bonds are our greatest strength. I will actively support residents in our schools, small businesses, rec centers, youth mentorship groups & more.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? I will encourage youth involvement in grassroots membership-based organizations like Fayetteville Freedom for All. We can also leverage groups such as the Fayetteville Next Advisory Commission. Through partnership, we can provide platforms for young people to speak at city council meetings, commission hearings, and public forums on issues that directly impact them, like public safety, education, and environmental justice. We can partner young people with experienced activists & leaders from groups like the NAACP to develop their organizing skills. This creates a pipeline of future leaders.
Candidates for Fayetteville City Council – District 9
Deno Hondros
No response yet from candidate
Joe McGee
No response yet from candidate
Other ways to learn about Fayetteville’s election and the candidates for office:
VIDEO: Fayetteville General Election Forum
Questions about the election?
Contact the Cumberland County Board of Elections at 910-678-7733.