Durham’s City Council staggers its elections and its six council members each serve four-year terms while the mayor serves a two-year term. This year, the mayor’s seat is wide open, after incumbent mayor Steve Schewel declined to run for re-election to a third term. Wards I, II, and III also feature races, with incumbent council members seeking re-election in Wards I and II. A primary election for mayor and seats for Wards I and II take place October 5, with the top two vote getters in each race advancing to the general election on November 2. Early voting in Durham’s municipal primary begins next week for these three seats, and we will make endorsements in all three races. The Ward III seat drew only two candidates, so they will automatically advance to the general election ballot. We will not endorse in this race as candidate AJ Williams is the son of our staff writer, Thomasi McDonald, who covers Durham. Read questionnaires from some of the candidates below and check back this Wednesday for our endorsements!

Mayoral Candidates 

Rebecca Harvard Barnes | Questionnaire | 9th Street Journal Profile

Charlitta Burrus | 9th Street Journal Profile

Javiera Caballero | Questionnaire | 9th Street Journal Profile

Sabrina Davis | Questionnaire 

Elaine O’Neal | Questionnaire | 9th Street Journal Profile

Burrus and candidates Jahnmaud Lane and Daryl Quick did not return a questionnaire

Council — Ward 1

DeDreana Freeman | Questionnaire

Marion Johnson | Questionnaire 

Candidate Waldo Fenner did not return a questionnaire

Council — Ward 2

Mark-Anthony Middleton | Questionnaire

Sylvester Williams | Questionnaire

Candidate Robert Curtis did not return a questionnaire

Council — Ward 3

AJ Williams  | Questionnaire

Leonardo Williams | Questionnaire

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