Born in Asheville, Preston grew up in Fletcher with deep family roots in Western North Carolina. He earned his B.A. at UNC Greensboro, double majoring in African American & African Diaspora Studies and Political Science. He went on to earn his Master of Public Affairs degree from Western Carolina University, where he was named the Outstanding Public Affairs Student in Public Management.

Preston Blakely | UNC Greensboro African American and African Diaspora Studies

Preston Blakely was born in Asheville and grew up in Fletcher. He earned a bachelor's degree in African American and African diaspora studies and political science from UNC Greensboro and a master's degree in public affairs from Western Carolina University.

Preston Blakely | African American & African Diaspora Studies

Blakely’s political career happened fast. Before assuming the role of mayor in 2021, he successfully ran against an incumbent for a Fletcher Town Council position in 2019. That was just months after receiving his master’s degree in public affairs from Western Carolina University that same year.

“I was on track to be an administrator, like a town manager or county manager, but after a few months of impatient job searching I decided to work with my family business,” Blakely said.

Change Maker | Western Carolina University

Change Maker - Western Carolina University

Preston has worked in his family's business.

My name is Preston Blakely, and I’m the Mayor of Fletcher, North Carolina, a small town of a little more than 8,000 just south of Asheville. I’ve served as mayor since 2021, elected at the age of 27. I’ve been the youngest sitting mayor in the state since. Before that, I was a council member, elected straight out of graduate school in 2019.

Preston Blakely | Hendersonville Lightning

Preston has served as mayor of Fletcher since 2021. He was previously elected as a council member in 2019.

Fletcher mayor looks ahead while honoring his family's legacy ...

Preston is the mayor of Fletcher.. He was previously elected as a council member in 2019.

2026 North Carolina General Election

As of January 5, 2026, Preston Blakely’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Economy

Greenway Expansion

The Cane Creek Greenway system is a treasure for our community. Providing connection, recreation, and strengthening our sense of community. We have already received significant grants to expand the greenway. However, there is much more work to be done. With the secured funding we must plan and build. Therefore every resident can enjoy!

Issues | Preston Blakely for Fletcher Mayor 2026

Community Engagement

Local government only works when the community is invovoled. That is why I have prioritized accessibility and meaningful opportunities for residents to be heard. I believe our strength comes from active engagement with all residents. Decisions must reflect the values and needs of every neighbor.

Henderson County Library Branch in Fletcher

We have worked on this for a long time. We are not giving up. I am committed to working with County Commissioners and other stakeholders to push this forward. A new library would provide resources for families, students, and seniors alike. Libraries are community hubs and this vision has been shared by our neighbors alike.

Plans to use secured funding to expand the Cane Creek Greenway system.

Prioritizes accessible, meaningful opportunities for residents to be heard in local government decisions.

Committed to working with county commissioners and stakeholders to advance a Henderson County library branch in Fletcher.

- Plans to use secured funding to expand the Cane Creek Greenway system.
- Prioritizes accessible, meaningful opportunities for residents to be heard in local government decisions.
- Committed to working with county commissioners and stakeholders to advance a Henderson County library branch in Fletcher.

Public Services

Fletcher Town Center

Fletcher residents deserve a cental place to eat, shop, and spend time in town. We have lacked a downtown space that reflects our community for too long. We have made incredible progress in improving downtown Fletcher. Old structures have been demolished, sidewalks and street lamps throughout, and a wonderful clocktower. Finishing this project will strengthen our town and invest in the future.

Supports completing Fletcher Town Center, including its sidewalks, street lamps, and clock tower.

- Supports completing Fletcher Town Center, including its sidewalks, street lamps, and clock tower.

Housing & Urban Development

Public Safety

Hurricane Helene Relief

Hurricane Helene left a lasting mark on Fletcher and the rest of WNC. Families were displaced, businesses hurt, and infrastructure tested. Relief and recovery reamin top priorities, not only in repairing what we lost but in building more resilient. I am committed to advocating for Fletcher to receive resources at the state and federal level. Plus, supporting our neighbors who are still recovering

Committed to advocating for state and federal resources for Hurricane Helene relief, recovery, and more resilient infrastructure in Fletcher.

- Committed to advocating for state and federal resources for Hurricane Helene relief, recovery, and more resilient infrastructure in Fletcher.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Education

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

TikTok

Preston Blakely

Preston Blakely is from Fletcher, North Carolina. He has a bachelor 27s degree in African American and African Diaspora Studies and political science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a master 27s degree in public affairs from Western Carolina University. 

Fletcher Elects Preston Blakely Mayor – The Urban News

ABOUT PRESTON BLAKELY — N.C. Commission on the Future of ...

Boyle column: Fletcher's 27-year-old mayor Preston Blakely blazes ...

Youth is served: UNCG alumnus Blakely one of America's youngest ...

Preston is a member of the Fletcher Town Council. He previously worked at Quality Janitorial Group, a family business founded by his parents. 

Preston is currently the mayor of Fletcher. He was first elected in 2021 and re-elected in 2023.

Fletcher Mayor Preston Blakely announces 2026 reelection bid

Supports the Heart of Fletcher project, parks, and a new library branch in town.

Alejandra Gracias

Buket Urgen

- 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.