Challenger for Durham mayor has a familiar last name. Who is she?
A challenger is entering Durham’s 2025 mayoral race with a different take on the job than a typical first-time candidate.
Anjanée Bell (pronounced AHN-jah-NAY), who has officially launched her campaign, is the daughter of longtime Mayor Bill Bell, who spent decades in public service, including 16 years as mayor, before leaving office in 2017.
Anjanée Bell has begun fundraising to challenge Leonardo Williams, who confirmed Friday that he is running for re-election.
Williams was first elected to the City Council in 2021 and became mayor two years later.
It’s still very early in the 2025 campaign.
Candidates will officially file to run for office in July, ahead of an Oct. 7 primary and Nov. 4 election.
The City Council seats held by Chelsea Cook, DeDreana Freeman and Mark-Anthony Middleton will also be on the ballot.
Uber driving to ‘see the city through the eyes of its people’
Anjanée Bell’s campaign website says she learned from her dad “that leadership is not about holding a title — it is about holding the line, taking the hits, and making bold decisions that move people forward.”
She describes herself as a single mother of three who was raised, and later taught, in Durham Public Schools. Now, Bell coordinates arts programming in North Carolina State Parks.
To prepare for her campaign, she said she drove for ride share apps “not because she had to, but because she wanted to see the city through the eyes of its people.”
Bell says she will bring bold leadership.
“Durham is ready for a mayor who listens, engages, and ensures progress is built with people, not for them. A visionary who creates what is next — where everyone has a seat at the table, a voice in the process, and a stake in the future,” her campaign website states.
This story was originally published February 20, 2025 at 8:56 AM.
