2025 Fayetteville Voter Guide: Meet the candidates & get info on voting
About the 2025 Fayetteville Primary Election for Mayor & City Council
Tuesday, Oct. 7: Primary 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 PRIMARY ELECTION CANDIDATES FOR FAYETTEVILLE MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL
There will be an October 7 primary election for Fayetteville Mayor and City Council Districts 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9 to determine which two candidates in each of these contests will advance to the November general election.
There is no primary election for City Council Districts 3, 4, 5, and 6. Those districts will appear on the November general election ballot.
All primary election 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
John Ashford
No response yet from candidate
Courtney Banks-McLaughlin
Background: I’ve proudly served on the Fayetteville City Council for over six years. I’ve also served on various boards, including a gubernatorial state task force, working with representatives from all 100 NC counties to secure funding for key statewide projects. I’ve partnered with military families, legislators, and federal agencies to advocate for Fayetteville’s growth. I hold a master’s degree in Human Resource Management.
Why are you running for this office? I’m running for Mayor to bring fresh leadership rooted in transparency, trust, and community. For too long, special interests and closed-door politics have left residents feeling unheard. With over six years on the City Council, I offer experience, integrity, and real connection to Fayetteville. I’ll focus on youth programs, infrastructure, inclusive growth, and affordable housing. It’s time for leadership that puts people first. I’m ready to restore trust and move our city forward together.
What are your top priorities if elected? I’ll attract and retain businesses by using targeted economic mapping to identify key development areas, supporting innovation and entrepreneurs, and creating vibrant neighborhoods that draw residents, investment, and long-term growth similar to successful models in places like Wake County.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? To improve transparency and communication, I’ll hold regular town halls to give residents direct access to local leaders. I’ll expand multilingual outreach so everyone in our diverse community can stay informed and involved. I also plan to create a Civic Engagement Office to make government more inclusive, accessible, and responsive operating openly, and making sure our residents always feel informed, respected, and valued.
Mario (Be) Benavente
Background: I am a two-term Fayetteville City Council member for District 3 and a licensed attorney practicing in juvenile courts. I spearheaded creation of the Office of Community Safety to provide alternatives to 911 response and championed investments in transit, sidewalks, stormwater, and neighborhood safety. I expanded youth programming and commissioned the Cost of Gun Violence Study to guide solutions. A lifelong Fayetteville resident and graduate of E.E. Smith, UNC Chapel Hill, and NCCU Law, I bring lived experience, results, and vision to take Fayetteville to the next level.
Why are you running for this office? I am running for mayor to take Fayetteville to the next level by building a safer, stronger, and more inclusive city. We need proven leadership that invests in youth, expands opportunity, and addresses crime through prevention as well as enforcement. I want to keep young professionals here, attract high-paying jobs, and ensure our neighborhoods have the resources they need. With my record of results and commitment to community, I am ready to move Fayetteville forward.
What are your top priorities if elected? My top priorities are curing crime through a public health approach, investing in youth, and expanding mass transit. By addressing the root causes of crime, we can make neighborhoods safer and improve trust in public safety. Investing in after-school programs and opportunities for young people will keep them on the right path and give families peace of mind. Expanding transit will connect residents to jobs, schools, and healthcare, making daily life more affordable and accessible for everyone.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? I founded Fayetteville’s Millennial Advisory Commission and served as its first chair to ensure City Council heard directly from young people about what it will take to keep us here. As mayor, I will take their voices seriously and make space for college students and young leaders to shape policy. The incumbent has stifled youth input when it didn’t match his politics. I believe young people’s ideas are vital to building a city where they want to stay and lead.
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.
Freddie de la Cruz
No response yet from candidate
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.
Clifton L. Johnson
Background: I am a Fayetteville native and retired U.S. Army Major with over 20 years of leadership experience, including multiple command assignments. I hold advanced degrees in engineering, IT management, and strategic leadership. I was elected as the co-chair of the Ft. Bragg & Cumberland County Food Policy Council, mentored youth through nonprofit partnerships, and authored a strategic plan for Fayetteville’s growth. I am a member of the Society for Case Research and the Army Aviation Association of America.
Why are you running for this office? I am a Fayetteville native and retired U.S. Army Major with over 20 years of leadership experience, including five command assignments. I hold advanced degrees in engineering, IT management, and strategic leadership. I’ve served as co-chair of the Cumberland County Food Council, mentored youth through nonprofit partnerships like the ROCKS INC, and authored a strategic plan for Fayetteville’s economic growth. My leadership reflects a commitment to teamwork, accountability, and building a city that works for everyone.
What are your top priorities if elected? My top priorities are strategic economic growth and infrastructure modernization. I will support small businesses, attract new industries, and expand job training to boost career opportunities. I’ll also champion the construction of high-rise business buildings and mixed-use condominiums to revitalize key areas. Upgrading roads, utilities, and public transit will improve daily commutes, create jobs, and enhance safety creating a stronger, more connected Fayetteville for all.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? I will ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government by creating a Youth Civic Advisory Council that allows them to directly engage with city leaders and contribute to policy discussions. I’ll partner with local colleges to host on-campus listening sessions, offer internships within city departments, and promote voter registration drives tailored to younger residents. By integrating their perspectives into decision-making, we are building a better Fayetteville where future leaders are empowered to shape the community they call home.
Nahlee Iris Smith
No response yet from candidate
Tisha S. Waddell
Background: I’ve served Fayetteville on the Redevelopment Commission, two terms on City Council, and boards like Workforce Development, Stormwater Advisory Committee, and Fayetteville Urban Ministry. On Council, I helped improve stormwater systems, expanded sidewalks and resurfacing throughout my district, and created the homeownership program targeting first responders. I protected public assets and expanded civic opportunities to strengthen community engagement. I’m prepared to bring that same work ethic to the city while leading with transparency, accountability, and collaboration as Mayor.
Why are you running for this office? I’ve committed to serve as Fayetteville’s next Mayor to restore civility and high standards to the office. The city is at a crossroads: ethics complaints, lawsuits, stalled projects, wasted tax dollars, and citizens’ concerns ignored. Taxes rose, infrastructure was neglected, and trust collapsed. Incumbents tell stories of progress, while seeming disconnected from our experiences as citizens. I’m running to show that leadership doesn’t have to be biased or serve special interests to be effective and that we can work together, regardless of party, or personalities, for our citizens.
What are your top priorities if elected? My top priority is fiscal responsibility. I’ll evaluate the budget to cut redundancies and find savings to ease the property tax burden on homeowners. In addition, I’ll condition city incentives on Fayetteville hires, career pathways, and living wages so families grow stronger. I’ll fast-track attainable housing while curbing displacement so growth reaches neighborhoods in need. And I’ll request independent public audits of tax-funded projects with clear timelines and upkeep plans so results are delivered and trust in City Hall is restored.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? I’ll continue to support initiatives I helped launch, such as the Millennial Advisory Committee, now Fayetteville NEXT. Moving forward, we must think creatively. The Mayor’s office will be open to student government at FSU, FTCC, and MU. These leaders bring unique perspectives and can help us connect with our middle and high school students. We have to create new opportunities to listen, learn, and interact with youth, at each level, on their terms. This approach will leverage relationships, while building future leaders, and shaping collaborative solutions for Fayetteville.
Paul A. Williams
No response yet from candidate
Candidates for Fayetteville City Council – District 1
Jamie Davis
Background: I am a U.S. Army veteran, former Human Resources officer, father of a 5-year-old, and a middle school Business Education teacher. I am also a small business owner and community leader, and I hold a degree in Mass Communications, graduating summa cum laude from Fayetteville State University. I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Teaching with a focus in Information Technology at NC State. With God first, I bring leadership, service, and commitment to families in District 1.
Why are you running for this office? I am walking in my purpose. I am here to serve as a vessel, meet the standard, and raise it for our families. I will listen to residents, represent your voice, and work tirelessly to strengthen unity, safety, and opportunity in District 1, ensuring every family has a chance to thrive.
What are your top priorities if elected? My priorities are job training, public safety, and housing for all incomes. Workforce programs give residents real skills. Strong safety initiatives protect families. Studying and applying the UDO ensures fair, sustainable housing. These steps will create opportunity, stability, and growth in our community.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? As a father and teacher, I know young people must be heard. I will hold town halls at schools and colleges, create service-learning internships, and start career pathway training early. Giving youth a platform helps them invest in our community and builds pride in District 1. “Unity Will Strengthen the Community.”
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.
Theodore Melkoumov
No response yet from candidate
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
Joseph (Joey) Thames
No response yet from candidate
Candidates for Fayetteville City Council – District 7
Dwight France
No response yet from candidate
J’Kwan Fulmore
No response yet from candidate
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.
Khalil Younger
Candidate has dropped out of this race but name will still appear on the primary ballot
Candidates for Fayetteville City Council – District 8
Rodney E. Garvin
No response yet from candidate
Mahmoud A. (Travis) Hamed
Background: I was raised here and built my career here. I manage our family-owned business, where I lead financial and daily operations. I know how to set priorities, measure results, and fix what is not working. I see how city policy affects safety, opportunity, and the cost of living at the street level. I bring practical skills that City Council needs. I understand how permitting and regulations impact small businesses and how better service from City Hall can unlock growth. My commitment is to ethical, transparent, results driven government.
Why are you running for this office? I am running to deliver results, not politics. Fayetteville, especially District 8, has great potential, but wasteful spending and stalled projects hold us back. My campaign stands for Safety, Transparency, Prosperity, and Strength. That means fully staffing first responders, honest and disciplined budgeting, and creating real opportunity for families and businesses. I will return power to the people and make Fayetteville a city where every resident can succeed.
What are your top priorities if elected? My top priorities are public safety, fiscal responsibility, and economic growth. First, fully staffing police, fire, and EMS ensures safe neighborhoods where families and businesses thrive. Second, I will push for disciplined budgeting that cuts waste and focuses every tax dollar on real results. Third, we need to create opportunity by supporting small businesses, especially veteran-owned, and removing red tape that stifles growth and new investment. Without safety, we can’t have prosperity, and with prosperity, we will be strong.
How would you help ensure young people, including area college students, have a voice in local government? Young people are the future of Fayetteville, and their voice should shape the city we are building. I will work to create opportunities for students and young entrepreneurs to engage through roundtables, mentorship, and financial literacy programs that draw on my business experience. While I cannot guarantee outcomes, I can guarantee my commitment to listening, guiding, and fighting for pathways that turn vision into results. Their energy and ideas will always have a place in our future.
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.
Robbie Poole
Candidate has dropped out of this race but name will still appear on the primary ballot
Candidates for Fayetteville City Council – District 9
Deno Hondros
No response yet from candidate
Gary A. Hunt
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 Primary Election – Mayoral Candidates Forum
VIDEO: Fayetteville City Council Primary Forum for Districts 7, 8, and 9
VIDEO: Fayetteville City Council Primary Forum for Districts 1 and 2
Voter Guide from the League of Women Voters
Questions about the election?
Contact the Cumberland County Board of Elections at 910-678-7733.