Mitch Colvin jumps into crowded field as 10 candidates file for Fayetteville mayor race

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- In a surprise move, Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin announced Monday that he will run for a fifth term, reversing a decision he made just last month to step away from elected office at the end of his current term.

Colvin, the city's longest-serving Black mayor, filed to run on Friday just before the filing deadline, but made the formal announcement during a news conference outside City Hall on Monday. His decision comes amid a crowded mayoral race that now includes 10 candidates - four of whom serve on the Fayetteville City Council.

"Particularly as many council members have filed to run for mayor, which undoubtedly will shake up the face of our city's leadership, especially at a time when important rights and resources are being taken away from the federal level," Colvin said. "It became clear that we needed stable, proven leadership at this time."

Colvin said several factors influenced his change of heart, including messages of support from people in the community and concerns about widespread leadership turnover across key institutions in the Fayetteville area, including the sheriff's office, police department, and school system.

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Colvin has served 12 years on the City Council: two representing District 3, one as Mayor Pro Tem, and the past four as Mayor. He was first elected mayor in 2017.

In addition to Colvin, three sitting council members have filed to run:

• Mario Benavente, a Fayetteville native, criminal defense lawyer and two-term council member representing District 3
• Kathy Keefe Jensen, the current mayor pro tem representing District 1, a military spouse and business owner who has served on council since 2013
• Courtney Banks-McLaughlin, a three-term council member, active community volunteer and mother of five representing District 8

Several former council members and former candidates have also entered the race, including:

• Tisha Waddell, who served two terms from 2017 to 2021
• Paul Williams, a local business owner and former three-term council member in the late 1990s and early 2000s
• Freddie de la Cruz, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and business owner who previously ran for mayor and a State House seat

Little public information is currently available on the campaigns of political newcomers John Ashford, Clifton Johnson, and Nahlee Iris Smith, who are just beginning to roll out their platforms.

ABC11 will continue to cover this race as it unfolds and is actively working to connect with each candidate to learn more about their platforms and vision for America's Can Do City.