In a self-authored short biography for the voter guide, Karen Lewis wrote: “I have been married for 47 years. The Marine Corps brought us to Cherry Point Jan. 1981. We raised 4 children who graduated from Havelock High School. I have 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.” The candidate-specific section is headed “CITY OF HAVELOCK COMMISSIONER Karen Lewis” and signed “Karen Lewis.”

GENERAL ELECTION 2024 Voter Guide – Coastal Carolina Taxpayers Association

In a self-authored short biography for the voter guide, Karen Lewis wrote: “Since 1983 I have been a faithful member of Community Baptist Church, Newport, NC. I surrendered my life to serving my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I serve as a Sunday School Teacher, secretary for our Awana Club program, and head up the Hospitality and Events Teams.” The candidate-specific section is headed “CITY OF HAVELOCK COMMISSIONER Karen Lewis” and signed “Karen Lewis.”

Karen Lewis has been married for 47 years and came to Cherry Point in January 1981. She has been a member of Community Baptist Church in Newport since 1983, where she serves as a Sunday school teacher, secretary for the Awana Club program, and leads the hospitality and events teams. She raised four children and has nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In a self-authored short biography for the voter guide, Karen Lewis wrote: “My early work experience was in the food industry and fulfilled a dream of owning a restaurant. This experience provided much insight into operating a local business and obstacles faced.” The candidate-specific section is headed “CITY OF HAVELOCK COMMISSIONER Karen Lewis” and signed “Karen Lewis.”

Karen previously worked in the food industry and owned a restaurant.

A Craven County campaign-finance table lists Karen Lewis's municipal campaign as: “Lewis Karen Municipal Havelock Commissioner 4 yrs 2011 2015 7/15/2011 Elect Karen Lewis Karen Lewis Active Under.”

Craven County Campaign Finance Record (PDF)

The article reported that Karen Lewis, described as a previous city commissioner, was selected under the city charter to replace a departing commissioner after she lost the November 5, 2019 election: “He is being replaced by Karen Lewis, a previous city commissioner who lost the November 5, 2019 election, who was chosen under rules of the city charter. She will be sworn in on September 14.”

Van Vliet sentenced, resignation accepted by Havelock board

Karen was chosen under the city charter to replace a departing Havelock city commissioner after losing the 2019 election. She was previously elected as a Havelock commissioner in 2011 and served a four-year term through 2015.

Van Vliet sentenced; resignation accepted by Havelock board

2026 North Carolina General Election

In her response to “Name the top 3 to 5 items that you want to address if elected,” Karen Lewis listed economic growth and development and wrote: “Economic growth and development- With the by-pass nearing its completion. This has and will continue to bring new and exciting opportunities for Havelock to expand and grow in and around our great city. With the remaining number of F-35 coming to Cherry Point this means there will be more families needing homes to live in, recreation and activities for families to partake in. We must be prepared for this.” The candidate-specific section is headed “CITY OF HAVELOCK COMMISSIONER Karen Lewis” and is signed “Karen Lewis.”

Asked, “Faced with budget shortfalls, would you support cutting spending or increasing taxes?” Karen Lewis answered: “I am currently sitting in a seat as a City Commissioner. So being faced with budget shortfalls I am no stranger to. So yes, I would support both cutting spending and the increase of taxes. Until you have sat in this position you don’t understand how important both can be. You must have a healthy and well-balanced mix of both.” The candidate-specific section is headed “CITY OF HAVELOCK COMMISSIONER Karen Lewis” and is signed “Karen Lewis.”

Said Havelock must prepare for growth associated with the bypass and additional F-35 aircraft at Cherry Point.

Supports using both spending cuts and tax increases to address municipal budget shortfalls.

- Said Havelock must prepare for growth associated with the bypass and additional F-35 aircraft at Cherry Point.
- Supports using both spending cuts and tax increases to address municipal budget shortfalls.

Economy

In her response to “Name the top 3 to 5 items that you want to address if elected,” Karen Lewis listed parks and recreation and wrote: “Parks and Recreation- We have a very well-run department with a knowledgeable staff, that do a great job and running and maintain our recreation. Many of you may know that over a year ago we started doing movies and music events in the parks. They have become very successful, and our citizens love them. But there are so many more thing we can do and should do. I am currently serving on our newly formed Cultural Arts Committee. They are exploring many options for new events for Havelock.” The candidate-specific section is headed “CITY OF HAVELOCK COMMISSIONER Karen Lewis” and is signed “Karen Lewis.”

Said Havelock should expand parks and recreation offerings and explore additional cultural arts events.

- Said Havelock should expand parks and recreation offerings and explore additional cultural arts events.

Public Services

As of September 2, 2026, Karen Lewis did not have a website or any information online.

Housing & Urban Development

Public Safety

In her response to “Name the top 3 to 5 items that you want to address if elected,” Karen Lewis listed sewer first and wrote: “Sewer- although we have made many upgrades to our water and sewer systems. We will continue to seek grants as well as other cost saving ways to make necessary repairs and upgrades to our system. There are still many issues to address.” The candidate-specific section is headed “CITY OF HAVELOCK COMMISSIONER Karen Lewis” and is signed “Karen Lewis.”

Plans to seek grants and pursue cost-saving approaches for necessary water and sewer repairs and upgrades.

- Plans to seek grants and pursue cost-saving approaches for necessary water and sewer repairs and upgrades.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Energy & the Environment

Karen Lewis

- Supports using both spending cuts and tax increases to address municipal budget shortfalls.

As of September 2, 2026, Karen Lewis’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Mauricio Mendez

Buket Urgen

Bear McGillem

Carly Rios

Clinton Jones

Diane Menger

Prudencio (Ira) Irizarry

Timothy Thierry

- 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. 