Mayoral Race 📅 November 3, 2026

Raleigh Mayor 2026

Raleigh mayoral election for the city's 2-year term. Mayor Janet Cowell, who took office in December 2024 after defeating incumbent Mary-Ann Baldwin, will defend her seat. Raleigh is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., with housing affordability and transit at the top of the agenda.

Candidates (2)
Janet Cowell Democrat Incumbent Age 57

Janet Cowell is the 63rd Mayor of Raleigh. A former North Carolina State Treasurer and president of the Dix Park Conservancy, she defeated incumbent Mary-Ann Baldwin in the 2024 election. She is focused on affordable housing, transit expansion, and economic development.

Affordable housingTransit investmentEconomic developmentParks & green space
Patrick Newton Republican

Patrick Newton is a Raleigh-area businessman and conservative activist running for Raleigh Mayor in 2026, challenging Democratic incumbent Janet Cowell. He is focusing his campaign on public safety, managed growth, and fiscal accountability as Raleigh continues its rapid expansion as part of the Research Triangle.

Public safetyManaged growthTax reliefBusiness development

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