Cameron Bebeau

With Primary Election Day quickly approaching on October 7, residents of Fayetteville and surrounding communities will soon decide several key positions for the upcoming cycle, with the position of mayor being up for grabs. This years’ race has ten candidates stepping forward to propose their vision of shaping our future. 
 
The Voice is here to help Bronco voters feel informed as they prepare to cast their ballots. Below is a brief look at their backgrounds, their priorities, and their experience. In addition, key points from the Primary Mayoral Forum, held on September 25 at the Kiwanis Rec Center, will be included. Of note, several candidates didn’t attend the event or didn’t participate; this will be included in each profile. 
 
Candidate: John Ashford 
Age: 37 
 
Background: Born in Fayetteville, Ashford briefly lived in Wyoming before returning home for high school. He entered politics in the 2022 Fayetteville mayoral race as a write-in candidate. 
Priorities: Homelessness, youth engagement/education, serving community rather than self-interests. 
Experience: Believes his lack of political experience may resonate with voters. 
Forum Remarks: No remarks recorded. 
 
Candidate: Courtney Banks-McLaughlin 
 
 
Background: Currently serving as councilwoman for District 8. Initially filed to run for re-election in her district before switching to the mayoral race. 
Priorities: Infrastructure, public safety, affordable housing, and economic growth.  
Experience: Yes; Fayetteville City Council Member. Member of Governor’s Crime Commission. 
Forum Remarks: No remarks recorded. 
 
Candidate: Mario Benavente 
Age: 35 
 
Background: City Councilman for District 3. Has been active in community organizing, focusing on affordable housing, public safety, and civic engagement. 
Priorities: Restorative justice, public safety, and accountability in city contracting. 
Experience: Yes, Fayetteville City Councilman. Attorney specializing in criminal defense, family law, and estate planning. 
Forum Remarks: Called for more transparency in city contracts and stressed the need for restorative justice programs. 
 
 
Candidate: Mitch Colvin 
Age: 52 
 
Background: Lifelong Fayetteville resident and local business owner, Colvin entered politics after serving on City Council, before being elected mayor in 2017. 
Priorities: Economic development, public safety, easing community uncertainty during major leadership changes, and community partnerships. 
Experience: 4 terms as Mayor of Fayetteville; 2 terms on City Council. 
Forum Remarks: Focus on the economics for poverty reduction to help community safety. 
 
 
Candidate: Freddie de la Cruz 
Age: 53 
 
Background: Retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel. Local business owner of Venus Vogue Wedding & Formals. Has lived in Fayetteville since 1975. 
Priorities: Public safety, taxes, and economic development. 
Experience: Lieutenant Colonel in the Army; ran for Mayor twice before, and for the NC House District 44 seat in 2024.  
Forum Remarks: Criticized current city leadership for over-taxing and under-delivering; also wants to expand Inspections and Permitting office for easier accessibility.  
 
Candidate: Kathy Keefe Jensen 
Age: 60 
Background: Longtime Fayetteville City Council member and two-time mayor pro temp, Jensen has deep roots in Fayetteville, growing up locally and running family businesses. She’s served on multiple boards and has experience in real estate. 
Priorities: Economic development via job creation, youth programs, and leveraging Fayetteville’s military presence. 
Experience: Over a decade on City Council and two-time mayor pro temp; service on numerous civic boards. 
Forum Remarks: Spoke about creating opportunities for young people, expanding workforce development programs. 
 
Candidate: Clifton Johnson 
Age: 46 
 
Background: Bringing over two decades of military leadership experience and is active in local nonprofits. Holds degrees in electrical engineering, IT management and strategic leadership. 
Priorities: Economic development via prioritizing commercial over residential development, infrastructure expansion, and unifying city leadership. 
Experience: Retired U.S. Army major, 21 years served; ran for mayor in 2022. Co-chair of Cumberland County Food Council. 
Forum Remarks: Emphasizes Fayetteville’s need for strong leadership and long-term infrastructure and suggests review and amendments of current tax policies. 
 
Candidate: Nahlee Iris Smith 
Age: 44 
 
Background: Single mother of two; originally from New Jersey; previously homeless in Fayetteville; currently attending seminary school. 
Priorities: Community accountability, teamwork, and fostering a culture of respect. 
Experience: No prior elected office. 
Forum Remarks: No remarks recorded. 
 
Candidate: Tisha Waddell 
Age: 46 
 
Background: Fayetteville resident of 25+ years; global brand growth strategist/small-business owner; resigned from City Council in 2021, citing concerns in city government ethics. 
Priorities: Restoring confidence in local government, tackling economic inequality, and addressing drain 
Experience: Two terms on City Council; appointed to Fayetteville Redevelopment Commission; previously served on Salvation Army and Workforce Development Boards. 
Forum Remarks: Suggested looking at the police chief for answers, given that crime is a community issue; incentivize homeowners programs, and consider open zoning.  
 
Candidate: Paul Williams 
Age: 62 
 
Background: Lifelong Fayetteville resident; small business owner (roofing/gutters); former Fayetteville City Council member. 
Priorities: Public safety, job creation and government accountability. 
Experience: Served on City Council in 1997. Accomplishments included extending Glensford Drive to Hope Mills Road; owns and manages small businesses; his personal experience with crime is reason behind public safety interest. 
Forum Remarks: No remarks recorded. 

Important Dates to Remember: 
October 7: Primary Election Day 
October 21: Part III of the Local Matters series, General Election Forum 
November 4: General Election Day 

Click to watch the full Primary Mayoral Forum here on Common Cause NC’s Facebook.

Originally Published at: https://www.fsuthevoice.com/the-mayoral-candidates-and-points-you-need-to-know/

(Written in collaboration with Tatiana Gantt, 2024-2025 Editor-in-Chief at The Voice (Fayetteville State University))