Adam Olivieri

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Zachary Odom

Buket Urgen

Candidate filings officially closed, who is running in Gaston County

Adam's campaign for Gastonia City Council Member, Ward 1 is his first entry into politics.

Economy

Supports investing in public services like schools, public transportation, and affordable housing.

Public Services

Housing & Urban Development

Wants to work with law enforcement and community organizations to ensure neighborhood safety.

Public Safety

Transportation & Infrastructure

Supports partnering with educational institutions to enhance learning environments and resources for students.

Education

Demetrios Koutsoupias

Walter Ley

City Council Appoints New Councilmember - City News Source

Demetrios Koutsoupias earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He and his wife, Margarita, have two sons.

Demetrios is currently a member of the Gastonia City Council, representing Ward 1. He was appointed in June 2024. He previously served as Town Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tempore for the Town of Cramerton, NC for eight years.

As of September 3, 2025, Demetrios Koutsoupias did not have a website or any information online.

Opposed the elimination of the city's diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) program and coordinator position.

As a commissioner, served on the Metropolitan Planning Organization to discuss future regional transportation plans and improvements.

Walter James Hart, Jr.

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- City council members work together to set and implement city policy. 
- The city council is tasked with ensuring the health, comfort, and safety of residents of the city.
- City council members work with the mayor to govern city departments, such as the police department, fire department, transportation department, and parks and recreation department. 
- City council members represent either the whole city or residents of a specific district. 