Raleigh City Council member says she will not seek re-election
Raleigh City Council Mayor Pro Tem Nicole Stewart will not seek a third term.
Stewart, 40, announced the news on social media Tuesday morning.
“During my tenure, I am proud of the progress we have made and believe now is the right time to let the next leader step up and serve our beloved city,” Stewart said in a statement. “I look forward to serving our community in other ways moving forward and protecting the progress we have made.”
Stewart doesn’t have a particular leader in mind to succeed her, she said, adding she doesn’t plan to seek another office “at this time.”
In a newsletter to followers, Stewart listed the accomplishments she’s most proud of including stopping future development from being built in the floodplain, setting a goal to reduce the community’s climate emissions and the passage of the city’s $80 million affordable housing bond.
“I think those are big successes that will really help shape the future of our city and, and how we continue to grow,” she said.
Stewart was first elected in 2017, filing a seat left vacant by now Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin. In 2019, Stewart received more than 30,000 votes — the most of any other Raleigh candidate that year.
Baldwin said she understands Stewart’s decision and that she will be missed.
“Nicole has grown into a strong leader, tackling complex issues such as climate change, stormwater protections and floodplain management,” Baldwin said to The N&O. “We are fortunate to have her voice and perspective on the Council through 2022 as we continue to address housing affordability, transit and equity issues.”
Former Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane said she enjoyed serving on the council with Stewart and will be sad to see her go.
“She is a bright, intuitive, caring individual who loves her community,” McFarlane said. “She has done an amazing job of balancing family, work and public service, especially during the past two years of the pandemic. Raleigh has been fortunate to have her on the council.”
During her four years in office, Stewart served on two distinct councils that often found themselves at opposite ends on how to manage the city’s growth.
“I have served with two very different councils,” Stewart said in an interview with The N&O. “And, you know, there’s a big difference between campaigning and governing. And I have gotten my fair share of both of those skills and much prefer governing, which we’ve been able to do more of the past few years.”
All eight of the Raleigh City Council seats are up for re-election, and filing begins in July 2022. The council is currently redrawing its district boundaries and discussing whether to move to four-year, staggered terms, among other changes.
This story was originally published December 14, 2021 at 11:40 AM.
