Charlotte, NC, September 11, 2025
News Summary
The recent Charlotte municipal primary election showcased significant wins for incumbents, including Mayor Vi Lyles who secured over 70% of the vote. With a low turnout of approximately 7.97%, several Democratic candidates have advanced to the upcoming general election. Key districts displayed both solid support and tight races, most notably in District 5, which may require a recount due to a narrow victory. The general election is set for November 4, where incumbents aim for historic wins.
Charlotte
The Charlotte municipal primary election, held on September 9, 2025, resulted in significant victories for incumbent candidates, setting the stage for the upcoming general election on November 4, 2025. A total of 42,442 ballots were cast out of 532,197 possible ballots, resulting in a voter turnout of approximately 7.97%. By 10:30 p.m. on election night, all precincts had reported their results, with official results to be certified by September 16.
Incumbent mayor Vi Lyles emerged as the projected winner, acquiring over 70% of the total vote. She significantly outperformed her closest challenger, Brendan Maginnis, who garnered 12.3%. Other candidates included Jaraun Boyd(10%), Tigress McDaniel (4.2%), and Delter Guin III (2.86%). In the race for at-large Democratic candidates, incumbents Dimple Ajmera, James “Smuggie” Mitchell Jr., LaWana Slack-Mayfield, and Victoria Watlington will all advance to the general election. Ajmera led the pack with 20.8% of the votes, while Slack-Mayfield received 17.5%, Mitchell 16%, and Watlington 15%. The nearest challenger, Namrata Yadav, received 8.9%.
District Results
In District 1, incumbent Danté Anderson achieved victory with over 68% of the votes against Charlene Henderson who received 31.4%. Joi Mayo won in District 3 with 49.5%, defeating incumbent Tiawana Brown, who secured 25.1% of the votes and was embroiled in legal issues. In District 4, incumbent Renee Johnson was re-elected with 68% of the votes, besting Wil Russell at 32.2%.
The District 5 primary was closely contested, with Juan Diego “J.D.” Mazuera Arias winning narrowly with 50.3%, just ahead of incumbent Marjorie Molina at 49.7%, a difference of only 37 votes, potentially prompting a recount. In District 6, Krista Bokhari was projected to win with over 76% of the votes against Sary Chakra (23.9%). Bokhari is taking over the seat previously held by her husband, Tariq Bokhari, who resigned earlier this year. Notably, District 7 is also held by a Republican, making District 6 one of two Republican-held seats on the city council.
General Election Landscape
All Democratic primary winners are expected to run unopposed in the general election, slated for November 4, where they will contend alongside elections occurring across other municipalities in North Carolina. The incumbents, including Mayor Lyles who is vying for a fifth term, could make history as the longest-serving Democratic mayor in Charlotte’s history. Investigations and controversies surrounding safety issues and police settlements came to the forefront during the primary campaign.
Key Takeaways
- Voter Turnout: 7.97%
- Mayor Vi Lyles: Secured over 70% of the vote
- At-Large Democratic Candidates: Ajmera, Slack-Mayfield, Mitchell, Watlington advance to the general election
- District Results: Notable victories and tight races, especially in District 5
- General Election Date: November 4, 2025
FAQ
What was the voter turnout in the Charlotte municipal primary election?
The voter turnout for the primary election was approximately 7.97%, with 42,442 ballots cast out of 532,197 possible ballots.
Who are the leading candidates in the Charlotte mayoral primary?
Incumbent mayor Vi Lyles is the projected winner with over 70% of the votes, followed by Brendan Maginnis with 12.3%, Jaraun Boyd with 10%, Tigress McDaniel with 4.2%, and Delter Guin III with 2.86%.
When is the general election scheduled?
The general election is scheduled for November 4, 2025.
Election Results Summary Chart
| Position | Candidate | Vote Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mayor | Vi Lyles | 70%+ | Projected winner |
| At-Large Candidates | Dimple Ajmera | 20.8% | Led the candidates |
| At-Large Candidates | LaWana Slack-Mayfield | 17.5% | Advanced to general |
| District 1 | Danté Anderson | 68%+ | Incumbent re-elected |
| District 5 | Juan Diego “J.D.” Mazuera Arias | 50.3% | Narrow victory, recount possible |
| District 6 | Krista Bokhari | 76%+ | Projected to win |
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Additional Resources
- WCNC: Charlotte Democratic Primary Election
- WBTV: Charlotte Primary Election 2025 Projections
- Charlotte Observer: Election Insights
- Wikipedia: Charlotte, North Carolina
- Google Search: Charlotte 2025 Primary Election
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
