ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Twenty candidates are competing for three open seats on the Asheville City Council, creating one of the largest municipal election fields in recent years and setting up a closely watched primary election.
Voters will narrow the field to six candidates during the March 3 primary. Those candidates will advance to the Nov. 3 general election, when three council seats will be decided.
The crowded race includes current elected officials seeking reelection, former officeholders, community advocates, business leaders and first-time candidates. Many campaigns have focused on housing affordability, post-disaster recovery following Tropical Storm Helene, economic stability and restoring public trust in city government.
Among the candidates is Buncombe County Commissioner Drew Ball, who said his campaign centers on housing affordability, economic recovery and supporting local businesses while guiding the city through challenging financial conditions.
Artist and small business owner Jeffrey Burroughs said their work helping revitalize Asheville’s River Arts District informed their decision to run, emphasizing policies shaped by residents’ lived experiences and expanded access to opportunity.
Architect Scott Burroughs cited rebuilding efforts following Helene and concerns surrounding development proposals, including the UNC Asheville woods, as motivations for his candidacy. He said his professional background would help guide long-term rebuilding decisions.
Asheville native Blake Butler, a communications professional with experience in state and national politics, said new leadership is needed as the city confronts a projected $30 million budget deficit and ongoing recovery challenges.
Tiffany DeBellott, executive director of the Center for Participatory Change, highlighted her work on local advisory boards and commissions, with campaign priorities focused on environmental issues, youth programs and mental health.
Software engineer and former community organizer Dan Ferrell said he is running to ensure city policies prioritize residents’ basic needs and reflect Asheville as a community for residents rather than primarily businesses or tourism.
Angel Gonzales, of West Asheville, is an activist, advocate and childcare worker who has lived in Asheville since 2019. Gonzales said he was motivated to run after witnessing concerns related to crime and drug use in his neighborhood. He is advocating for expanded community policing efforts and the creation of a dedicated mental health resource team to respond to certain calls for service.
Hospitality worker and entrepreneur Nina Ireland described herself as a working parent new to politics but deeply connected to the daily challenges facing residents struggling with affordability and cost of living.
Shaunda Jackson, director of Resident Services at the Asheville Housing Authority and former Asheville City Board of Education chair, said her campaign focuses on housing stability, public safety and support for families and children.
Writer and designer Tyler Ladd has centered his campaign on expanding opportunities for local artists and revitalizing Asheville’s cultural identity through locally focused events and creative programming.
Nonprofit leader Jess McLean said her campaign prioritizes children and families, housing recovery, poverty reduction, transit access and transparent governance, drawing inspiration from community cooperation following Helene.
David Moritz, a real estate investor and former construction engineer, said his background in finance and development would bring fiscal discipline and long-term financial planning to city leadership.
Vice Mayor Antanette Mosley is seeking reelection, pointing to her work on housing policy, infrastructure and disaster recovery efforts while advocating continued people-focused leadership.
Bobby Smith said he is running to represent residents who may not have the time or resources to participate directly in local government, with a focus on income-based housing policies.
Incumbent Councilmember Sheneika Smith, first elected in 2017, has emphasized unity and collaboration, citing community cooperation during hurricane recovery efforts as a model for governance.
Speech therapist CJ Snyder said expanding accessible and permanently affordable housing options, including “missing middle” housing and community land trusts, would be central to his campaign.
Retired federal civil servant Kyle Turner said his experience in procurement and program management positions him to improve accountability and oversight in city spending and contracting processes.
Councilmember Maggie Ullman, elected in 2022, is seeking another term, highlighting progress on planning, economic development and environmental initiatives.
Jared Wheatley said his campaign focuses on cultural empowerment, government accountability and affordability, noting he would become the first Cherokee citizen elected to Asheville City Council if successful.
Former Councilmember Keith Young, who previously served five years on council, said his campaign emphasizes infrastructure reliability, fiscal stability and experience managing city finances during challenging periods.
Early voting for the primary election ends Feb. 28. Polls will be open March 3 to determine which six candidates advance to the general election in November.
