I don’t usually write about local politics, but the election last night in Raleigh may shift the leadership of the city for the next decade or so. An Old Guard that has been in power for most of the past two decades is out and a younger, more urban-minded council is in. Incumbent Mayor Nancy McFarlane’s decision not to seek re-election guaranteed a change at the top, but three other incumbent council members came up short, though run-offs are likely. 

In District A, Dicky Thompson, a close ally of McFarlane, also retired. He was replaced a by Patrick Buffkin, a young attorney who serves on the Parks, Recreation and Greenways Advisory Board. In District E, another attorney David Knight, who has long been involved in Raleigh and state politics, defeated incumbent Stef Mendell by a whopping 70% to 30%. Those two alone would be enough to shift the board, but two other races illustrate the magnitude of the change. 

In District D, newcomer Saige Martin is relatively new to Raleigh but bested Kay Crowder by 47% to 33%. Crowder has been on the council since she replaced her husband, Thomas, after he passed away five years ago. He had held the seat for 15 years. Martin is under the 50% necessary for an outright win and Crowder is entitled to call a runoff, but with the margin like that, it’s doubtful she would prevail. Clearly, the momentum is with the younger candidate now. 

In the at-large race, a pick two contest, first-term incumbent Nicole Stewart won re-election with a substantial lead, garnering 34% of the vote. Attorney Jonathan Melton came in second, dislodging long-term Council Member Russ Stephenson. Melton fell short of the 25% he would have needed to avoid a runoff and Stephenson appears ready to take that challenge. However, last night made clear that 2019 is a change year in Raleigh and I suspect Stephenson has an uphill battle. 

In District C, Corey Branch won his re-election handily and in District B, David Cox won his race against former Wake County Democratic Chair Brian Fitzsimmons. Cox is the last of those council members aligned with the slow-growth coalition that has been dominant.

In the mayor’s race, former at-large Councilwoman Mary-Ann Baldwin and attorney Charles Francis will likely faceoff in November. Baldwin came in first but was far short of the 50% threshold. Francis must feel a sense of déjà vu. He fell short two years ago against McFarlane and lost the runoff. I suspect Baldwin has the advantage. She was always the top vote-getter when she was on the council and the women who supported third place finisher Carolina Sullivan will likely break toward Baldwin.

The big winner last night, though, was Stewart. She won decisively in a city-wide race and is now the de facto leader of the new, younger council. She’s the politician to watch for the future of Raleigh as the region absorbs a million more people in the next 20 years. Last night was a recognition of the changes that have happened and the changes to come.