Incumbent Leonardo Williams wins reelection for Durham mayor
On election night, two hot-topic candidates hosted a joint watch party while the outcomes of a contentious campaign cycle unfolded.
On election night, two hot-topic candidates hosted a joint watch party while the outcomes of a contentious campaign cycle unfolded.
Candidates discussed how the City could enhance partnerships with private companies, funding for the arts and how arts intersect with the City's goals.
“Don’t Shut Us Out!,” is former attorney Katie Ross’s message to Durham City Council.
The Durham municipal general elections are rapidly approaching. On Nov. 4, there are two candidates up for each of four open positions. Here is a comparison of the candidates for mayor and three city city council seats:
Sheryl Smith, a longtime advocate for children and families in Durham, is running for City Council with a focus on reforming the foster care system, drawing on her own experiences as a mother, foster parent and activist.
Leo Williams, current mayor of Durham, is running for re-election this November. The incumbent received 55.47% percent of the votes in the primary, with over 20% more votes than the next closest candidate, Anjanée Bell.
After eight years on the Durham City Council, DeDreana Freeman says her work isn’t finished. The Ward 1 representative, endorsed by the Sierra Club, is seeking a third term with a focus on environmental equity, affordable housing and sustainable development.
When asked why she is running for Durham City Council, candidate Shanetta Burris responded, “Because I have free will. I can, and I’m going to do it.” This is not Burris’ first rodeo. In 2023, the North Carolina native ran for the same role she is now, but let the campaign cycle stretch her thin.
The Duke NICU nurse and Ph.D. student is running for Durham City Council’s Ward 1 seat.
Diana Medoff, a longtime educator and mother of three, is making her first run for office in Durham’s Ward 3 City Council race. She is one of four candidates vying for the seat this fall, alongside incumbent Chelsea Cook and challengers Durant Long and Terry McCann.