Mario Benavente: Fayetteville Councilman seeks to become the ...

Mario Benavente — Donate via ActBlue

Mario Benavente was born in Seoul, South Korea, and grew up in Fayetteville. He has bachelor's degrees in peace, war, and defense and communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also has a law degree from North Carolina Central University. He lives in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Matio is an associate attorney for Rand & Gregory, focusing on family law and criminal defense.

Mario is a city council member for Fayetteville's District 3. He was first elected in 2022 and is serving his second term.

Plans to work with the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) to connect undocumented workers with resources on labor rights and protection against wage theft or unsafe conditions.

Plans to support targeted investments into youth after-school programs and childcare to help working families.

- Plans to work with the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) to connect undocumented workers with resources on labor rights and protection against wage theft or unsafe conditions.
- Plans to support targeted investments into youth after-school programs and childcare to help working families.

Economy

Proposed that the city maintain a multilingual resource guide, both online and in print, for housing, food, and legal assistance.

Proposed investing in "Know your rights" workshops and multilingual information campaigns so families understand their legal protections and how to access them.

Proposed collaborating with schools, libraries and recreation centers to establish learning spaces that offer tutoring, adult literacy and job training.

Proposed collaborating with schools, libraries and recreation centers to establish spaces that offer tutoring, adult literacy and job training.

Plans to reintroduce discussions on term limits and increase efforts to engage community members directly in the decision-making process.

- Proposed that the city maintain a multilingual resource guide, both online and in print, for housing, food, and legal assistance.
- Proposed investing in "Know your rights" workshops and multilingual information campaigns so families understand their legal protections and how to access them.
- Proposed collaborating with schools, libraries and recreation centers to establish spaces that offer tutoring, adult literacy and job training.
- Plans to reintroduce discussions on term limits and increase efforts to engage community members directly in the decision-making process.

Public Services

Believes more needs to be done to ensure long-term stability in housing.

Said he will promote clear, written policies prohibiting discrimination in access to housing, public safety, and city programs.

Supports the creation of community housing trusts, allowing neighborhoods to manage properties collectively and protect them from large corporations.

Believes in greater community participation in planning and land use.

Believes early engagement in development ensures projects reflect shared values, preserve neighborhood integrity, and promote long-term stability.

Proposes integrating Strong Towns principles into planning, focusing on small, incremental projects that can be tested, adjusted, and expanded based on community feedback.

Proposes integrating "Strong Towns principles" into planning, focusing on small projects that can be tested, adjusted, and expanded based on community feedback.

- Believes more needs to be done to ensure long-term stability in housing.
- Said he will promote clear, written policies prohibiting discrimination in access to housing, public safety, and city programs.
- Supports the creation of community housing trusts, allowing neighborhoods to manage properties collectively and protect them from large corporations.
- Believes in greater community participation in planning and land use.
- Believes early engagement in development ensures projects reflect shared values, preserve neighborhood integrity, and promote long-term stability.
- Proposes integrating "Strong Towns principles" into planning, focusing on small projects that can be tested, adjusted, and expanded based on community feedback.

Housing & Urban Development

Supports gun control and expanding violence interruption programs.

Advocates for increased investment in youth programming, secure housing and economic opportunities to prevent crime.

As a city council member, created the Office of Community Safety to handle non-violent crises and advocated for studying gun violence root causes.

As a city council member, created the Office of Community Safety to handle non-violent crises with an "alternative response team."

- Supports gun control and expanding violence interruption programs.
- Advocates for increased investment in youth programming, secure housing and economic opportunities to prevent crime.
- As a city council member, created the Office of Community Safety to handle non-violent crises with an "alternative response team."

Public Safety

As a city council member, led the effort to include investment in the Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) among the top five strategic priorities for the city.

As a city council member, supported investing in the Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) as one of the top five priorities for the city.

Proposed expanding public transit service on nights and weekends, improving connections between neighborhoods and employment centers, and ensuring safe, accessible, and comfortable stops.

Believes in the importance of public transportation in daily life.

- As a city council member, supported investing in the Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) as one of the top five priorities for the city.
- Proposed expanding public transit service on nights and weekends, improving connections between neighborhoods and employment centers, and ensuring safe, accessible, and comfortable stops.
- Believes in the importance of public transportation in daily life.

Transportation & Infrastructure

As of September 15, 2025, Mario (Be) Benavente’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Education

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Mario (Be) Benavente

Walter Ley

Clifton L. Johnson (Mayor of Fayetteville, North Carolina, candidate ...

Clifton Johnson, retired Army major, running for mayor of Fayetteville

Clifton L. Johnson is from Fayetteville, North Carolina. He has a bachelor's degree from Excelsior College and a graduate degree from Webster University. Clifton is Christian.

Clifton is a retired U.S. Army major. He is also the co-chair of an organization that brings healthy food to Fort Bragg and Cumberland County.

Clifton previously ran for mayor in 2022 but did not win.

Believes Fayetteville needs economic growth through job creation with livable wages.

Plans to change local policy to allow for more development, rather than residential properties, in city limits.

- Believes Fayetteville needs economic growth through job creation with livable wages.
- Plans to change local policy to allow for more development, rather than residential properties, in city limits.

As of September 15, 2025, Clifton L. Johnson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes Fayetteville's housing issues are worsened by a rising population, declining residential construction, and stagnant job growth in low-wage occupations.

Believes Fayetteville's housing issues are worsened by a rising population, declining residential construction, and a lack of jobs.

- Believes Fayetteville's housing issues are worsened by a rising population, declining residential construction, and a lack of jobs.

Supports collaboration with local organizations to develop policies that align with economic and infrastructure objectives.

Wants to craft policies that "match [the city's] economic development and infrastructure goals."

- Wants to craft policies that "match [the city's] economic development and infrastructure goals."

Wants to ensure every child has access to quality education and mentorship.

- Wants to ensure every child has access to quality education and mentorship.

Clifton L. Johnson

Buket Urgen

Courtney Banks-McLaughlin (Mayor of Fayetteville, North Carolina ...

Courtney Banks-McLaughlin earned a bachelor's degree from Arkansas Baptist College in 2006 and a graduate degree from Webster University in 2009. She is married with five children. The family are members of Lewis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.

Council Member Banks-McLaughlin seeks censure of Mayor Colvin ...

Courtney is currently a member of the Fayetteville City Council, representing District 8. She was first elected in 2019 and is currently serving her third term. She ran for the North Carolina House of Representatives in District 42 in 2024 but did not win.

As of September 15, 2025, Courtney Banks-McLaughlin did not have a website or any information online.

- Wants to help youth through mentorship.

Wants to see the city contribute to shelter space and collaborate with the county to address homelessness.

- Wants to see the city contribute to shelter space and collaborate with the county to address homelessness.

Supports programs that connect youth and community members with law enforcement.

Supports strong law enforcement and community involvement in crime prevention.

- Supports gun control.
- Supports programs that connect youth and community members with law enforcement.
- Supports strong law enforcement and community involvement in crime prevention.

Believes investing in water access, electricity, and transportation will attract high-quality employers and residents.

Wants to improve walkability and expand transit in flood-prone areas.

- Believes investing in water access, electricity, and transportation will attract high-quality employers and residents.
- Wants to improve walkability and expand transit in flood-prone areas.

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Courtney Banks-McLaughlin

Latino candidate seeks to be the new mayor of Fayetteville

Freddie de la Cruz was born Nanakuli, Hawaii. He attended Spring Lake Jr. High, Pine Forest Senior High, and Fayetteville Technical Institute. He has a bachelor's degree in business administration from Campbell University. He is married to his wife, Venus Recod de la Cruz, and they have six children and 12 grandchildren.

Freddie is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and local business owner. He served in the U.S. Army for more than 32 years.

Freddie de la Cruz to run for Fayetteville, NC, mayor in 2025

Freddie previously ran for Fayetteville Mayor in 2022 and 2023 and for the North Carolina House District 44 seat in 2024 but did not win.

Calls for a state audit of Fayetteville's finances and contracts, citing concerns about a lack of oversight and accountability in city projects.

Proposes keeping tax rates stable, assessing financial gaps, and seeking public approval for specific tax increases to fund essential projects.

Proposes keeping tax rates stable, assessing financial gaps, and seeking public approval for specific tax increases to fund necessary projects.

Believes aligning tax policies with revenue neutrality would create a fairer system for all taxpayers.

Believes "aligning tax policies with revenue neutrality would create a fairer system for all taxpayers."

Believes economic development relies on attracting businesses that offer well-paying jobs and supports boosting the planning and zoning office, even if it means giving them raises and hiring more people.

Believes permitting and zoning officials should actively assist businesses instead of creating bureaucratic obstacles.

Wants to leverage Fayetteville's proximity to Fort Bragg to spur economic growth by exploring military contractor requirements and securing resources for infrastructure improvements through political connections.

Wants to leverage Fayetteville's proximity to Fort Bragg to spur economic growth by exploring military contractor options.

Supports expanding local business opportunities and aims to grow the tax base.

- Calls for a state audit of Fayetteville's finances and contracts, citing concerns about a lack of oversight and accountability in city projects.
- Proposes keeping tax rates stable, assessing financial gaps, and seeking public approval for specific tax increases to fund necessary projects.
- Believes "aligning tax policies with revenue neutrality would create a fairer system for all taxpayers."
- Believes economic development relies on attracting businesses that offer well-paying jobs and supports boosting the planning and zoning office, even if it means giving them raises and hiring more people.
- Believes permitting and zoning officials should actively assist businesses instead of creating bureaucratic obstacles.
- Wants to leverage Fayetteville's proximity to Fort Bragg to spur economic growth by exploring military contractor options.
- Supports expanding local business opportunities and aims to grow the tax base.

Supports improving public services, including making city buses more accessible.

- Supports improving public services, including making city buses more accessible.

Believes Fayetteville has crime problems due to lack of leadership, low morale, and insufficient police patrols.

Believes Fayetteville has crime problems due to a lack of leadership, low morale, and insufficient police officers.

Plans to reduce juvenile crime by addressing root causes, such as reintroducing discipline in schools and alleviating economic stress on families.

Plans to reduce youth crime by addressing root causes, such as "discipline in schools" and decreasing economic stress on families.

Believes in replacing the Chief of Police with a leader who supports law enforcement officers in enforcing local laws.

- Believes Fayetteville has crime problems due to a lack of leadership, low morale, and insufficient police officers.
- Plans to reduce youth crime by addressing root causes, such as "discipline in schools" and decreasing economic stress on families.
- Supports increasing police presence.
- Believes in replacing the Chief of Police with a leader who supports law enforcement officers in enforcing local laws.

Plans to create an Efficient Shuttle Program (EST) for employees, students, people with disabilities, and seniors to improve transportation in Fayetteville.

Wants to fix Fayetteville's water system and improve roads.

- Plans to create an Efficient Shuttle Program (EST) for employees, students, people with disabilities, and seniors to improve transportation in Fayetteville.
- Wants to fix Fayetteville's water system and improve roads.

As of September 15, 2025, Freddie de la Cruz’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Freddie de la Cruz

Fayetteville native John Ashford enters race for Fayetteville mayor

John Ashford is from Fayetteville, North Carolina. He has an associate's degree in massage therapy and an associate's degree in criminal justice from Miller-Motte College. 

John Ashford (Mayor of Fayetteville, North Carolina, candidate 2025 ...

John previously ran a write-in campaign for Fayetteville Mayor in 2022 but did not win.

Plans to create programs offering job certifications for young people.

- Plans to create programs offering job certifications for young people.

As of September 15, 2025, John Ashford did not have a website or any information online.

Plans to prioritize community support, particularly addressing homelessness and youth development.

- Plans to prioritize community support, particularly addressing homelessness and youth development.

John Ashford

Kathy Jensen announces mayoral run - Fayetteville

Kathy Keefe Jensen is from Fayetteville, North Carolina. She and her husband, Jerry Jensen, have six children and two grandchildren. Kathy graduated from East Carolina University.

Kathy is the owner of An Affair to Remember, a formalwear shop on Ramsey Street.

Kathy Keefe Jensen (Mayor of Fayetteville, North Carolina ...

Photos of Kathy Jensen's time on Fayetteville City Council

Kathy is currently the mayor pro tem and serves as the District 1 representative on the Fayetteville City Council. She was first elected to the council in 2013. 

Supports bringing jobs, supporting local entrepreneurs, and positioning Fayetteville for smart, strategic growth.

Supports "bringing jobs, supporting local entrepreneurs, and positioning Fayetteville for smart, strategic growth."

- Supports "bringing jobs, supporting local entrepreneurs, and positioning Fayetteville for smart, strategic growth."

Supports access to affordable housing, vibrant parks, and improved well-being through expanded trails and youth leadership opportunities.

Supports maintaining clean parks, safe trails, and strong community spaces.

Supports the expansion of the Fayetteville-Cumberland County Parks & Recreation Department.

Supports expanding programs with the Fayetteville-Cumberland County Parks & Recreation Department.

- Supports access to vibrant parks.
- Supports maintaining clean parks, safe trails, and strong community spaces.
- Supports expanding programs with the Fayetteville-Cumberland County Parks & Recreation Department.

Supports affordable housing and vibrant parks.

Supports strengthening community policing and investing in neighborhoods.

- Supports strengthening community policing and investing in neighborhoods.

Supports expanding the Cape Fear Trail and improving recreational spaces and walkability.

- Supports expanding trails.
- Supported expanding the Cape Fear Trail.

Supports empowering youth through the Fayetteville-Cumberland Youth Council and leadership programs.

- Supports empowering youth through the Fayetteville-Cumberland Youth Council and leadership programs.

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Kathy Keefe Jensen

Mitch Colvin reveals his goals as new Fayetteville mayor

Mitch Colvin studied at John Tyler Mortuary College and Fayetteville State University.

Mitch Colvin jumps into crowded race as 10 candidates file for ...

Mayor Mitch Colvin says he will not run for reelection

Mitch is currently serving his fourth term as mayor of Fayetteville. He was first elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2019 and 2022. Before becoming mayor, he served two consecutive terms on the Fayetteville City Council from 2013 to 2017.

As mayor, focused on economic development, infrastructure, and job creation.

- As mayor, focused on economic development, infrastructure, and job creation.

Supports the expansion of Fayetteville Regional Airport and the passage of two voter-approved parks and recreation and public safety bonds totalling $132 million.

Supports the expansion of Fayetteville Regional Airport and the two voter-approved parks and recreation and public safety bonds.

Supports investing in parks, recreation, and infrastructure.

- Supports the expansion of Fayetteville Regional Airport and the two voter-approved parks and recreation and public safety bonds.
- Supports investing in parks, recreation, and infrastructure.

Supports increasing affordable housing opportunities and addressing homelessness.

- Supports increasing affordable housing opportunities and addressing homelessness.

Advocated for and implemented a youth curfew in Fayetteville, applying to those 16 and younger from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

- Advocated for and implemented a youth curfew in Fayetteville, applying to those 16 and younger from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

As of September 15, 2025, Mitch Colvin did not have a website or any information online.

Mitch Colvin

Nahlee Iris Smith running for mayor of Fayetteville

Nahlee Iris Smith hopes lived experience resonates with voters in ...

Nahlee Iris Smith is from Orange, New Jersey. She attended Fayetteville Technical Community College and is currently going to seminary school through True Vine Ministries. She lives with her two sons in Fayetteville.

Nahlee Iris Smith (Mayor of Fayetteville, North Carolina, candidate ...

Nahlee's campaign for Fayetteville Mayor is her first entry into politics.

As of September 15, 2025, Nahlee Iris Smith did not have a website or any information online.

Cites her lived experiences, including homelessness, as giving her a unique perspective on the city's challenges.

- Cites her lived experiences, including homelessness, as giving her a unique perspective on the city's challenges.

Nahlee Iris Smith

Paul Williams running for mayor of Fayetteville in 2025

Paul Williams is a small-business owner and longtime resident of the Fayetteville area. He graduated from Douglas Byrd High School and briefly attended Fayetteville Technical Community College before opening Paul Williams Roofing and Guttering Services. Williams and his wife, Cheresa, raised their five children, two of whom died at young ages, in Fayetteville.

Paul is a small-business owner. He owns and operates Paul Williams Roofing and Guttering Services. He also owns and manages rental properties in Fayetteville.

Paul A. Williams (Mayor of Fayetteville, North Carolina, candidate ...

Candidates for 2025 elections in Fayetteville, other municipalities in ...

Paul previously served on the Fayetteville City Council from 1997 to 1999 and again from 2003 to 2007. He ran for mayor in 2013 but did not win. 

Aims to reduce obstacles for small businesses and lower taxes.

Supports reducing the high tax rate through prioritized spending and eliminating non-essential government spending.

Aims to remove government-imposed obstacles to make Fayetteville and Cumberland County the most economically free area in the country.

Aims to remove "government-placed hurdles" to make Fayetteville and Cumberland County "the most economically free area in the country."

Supports allowing business development on the fringes of neighborhoods.

Supports allowing business development on the edges of neighborhoods.

- Aims to reduce obstacles for small businesses and lower taxes.
- Supports reducing the high tax rate through prioritized spending and eliminating non-essential government spending.
- Aims to remove "government-placed hurdles" to make Fayetteville and Cumberland County "the most economically free area in the country."
- Supports allowing business development on the edges of neighborhoods.

Believes the private sector, special interest groups, churches, and families are the best providers of recreation, entertainment, and civic engagement.

- Believes the private sector, special interest groups, churches, and families are the best providers of recreation, entertainment, and civic engagement.

As of September 15, 2025, Paul A. Williams did not have a website or any information online.

Believes local government actions contribute to high crime rates, fewer jobs, and high property taxes.

Plans to reduce crime by reassigning school officers to patrol duties.

Plans to reduce crime by removing police officers from schools and putting them "back on the street."

- Believes local government actions contribute to high crime rates, fewer jobs, and high property taxes.
- Plans to reduce crime by removing police officers from schools and putting them "back on the street."

Supports a baseball stadium in downtown and more sidewalks throughout the city.

- Supports a baseball stadium in downtown and more sidewalks throughout the city.

Paul A. Williams

Tisha S. Waddell (Mayor of Fayetteville, North Carolina, candidate ...

Tisha Waddell has an associate's degree from Fayetteville Technical Community College. She is a Christian.

Tisha works as a business growth strategist at Rarity Enterprises. 

'Solutions over soundbites': Why former City Council member Tisha ...

Tisha previously served two terms on the Fayetteville City Council from 2017 to 2021, representing District 3. 

Believes in collaborating to prepare local talent for high-wage industries and attract employers who invest in people and the community.

Believes in collaborating to prepare local talent for high-wage industries and to attract employers who invest in people and the community.

Believes in prioritizing performance over politics.

Believes in prioritizing performance over politics with a plan for her first 90 days in office.

- Believes in collaborating to prepare local talent for high-wage industries and to attract employers who invest in people and the community.
- Believes in prioritizing performance over politics with a plan for her first 90 days in office.

As of September 15, 2025, Tisha S. Waddell’s website did not contain information on this issue.

As a city council member, developed and secured funding for a down payment assistance program to help first responders live in the communities they serve.

Supported a down payment assistance program to help first responders live in the communities they serve.

- Supported a down payment assistance program to help first responders live in the communities they serve.

Tisha S. Waddell

- The mayor leads the executive branch of local government, presiding over city council meetings, making sure city departments run smoothly, and providing services to citizens. 
- The mayor attends and runs City Council meetings, serving as an important leader for how local laws get set. These laws affect local services, such as Police, City Planning, Parks & Recreation, and Transportation.  
- The Mayor in some circumstances may vote to break a tie in council meetings. They do not have veto power.