Schewel, Ali to meet in runoff to be Durham's new mayor

DURHAM, North Carolina (WTVD) -- For the first time in 16 years, the City of Durham held an election for mayor without Bill Bell's name on the ballot. Seven candidates were narrowed to two clear frontrunners Tuesday night.

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With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Steve Schewel and Farad Ali emerged from the crowded field.

Schewel, 66, a Durham City Council member, led the way with 12,934 votes or a commanding 51.2 percent of the ballots.

The 50-year-old Ali, a businessman who served on the city council from 2007-2011, picked up 7,369 votes for 29.1 percent.

Pierce Freelon - a 33-year-old college lecturer, rapper, and founder of Blackspace who has never held elected office - made a respectable showing with 4,007 votes, nearly 16 percent of the tally.

The runoff election will be November 7.