Jillian Johnson won’t run for another Durham City Council term. Who will?
Durham City Council member Jillian Johnson will not seek a third term this fall, she announced Friday.
Johnson, a progressive first elected in 2015, said this was “by far the most impactful and rewarding work” of her lifetime.
“It’s also been some of the hardest work I’ve ever done,” Johnson said in a letter shared with The News & Observer.
“Local government is both closest to the people and has the least amount of power, and that contradiction inevitably leads to frustration in the public and among elected officials,” Johnson said. “It’s hard to make change when others find it useful to their own political goals to see everything you do in the worst possible light.”
Johnson became a lightning rod for her challenges to traditional policing.
She said she was proud of Durham’s investments in affordable housing and sustainability and touted the growth of the HEART team, which sends unarmed specialists on certain 911 calls, and participatory budgeting, in which residents get to vote on a portion of city spending each year.
Johnson said she’ll continue working for Movement Voter Project and serving on the board of Local Progress — at least through the 2024 elections.
“I look forward to spending more time with the people I love, getting more rest, playing board games, cuddling babies, and being in the streets,” she said.
Who is running?
The two other at-large members of the City Council facing election this year have said they are running.
Caballero, a fellow progressive who campaigned on a slate with Johnson in 2019, formally announced her run Thursday.
“We all want to live in a Durham where people enjoy safe neighborhoods, high-quality affordable housing, good jobs, ample parks and trails, and convenient public transportation options,” Caballero said in a statement. “We’ve made a lot of progress, but there’s more work to do.”
Holsey-Hyman, a social work professor at N.C. Central University appointed to her seat last year, announced her campaign months ago.
She has since come under investigation for allegations of extortion and campaign finance violations, which she denies.
“I have proven to be a team player who actively listens, advocates, and votes with integrity,” Holsey-Hyman said in a statement. I place the residents in the forefront of all of my decisions.”
Several newcomers have announced candidacies for the three available seats:
- Nate Baker, a planning commissioner with an interest in making cities more walkable, inclusive and transit-oriented
Shanetta Burris, a double graduate of NCCU and program manager with Lillian’s List
- Carl Rist, a progressive with a longtime career at a Washington, D.C.-based think tank (and the support of Johnson and former Mayor Steve Schewel)
- Sherri Zann Rosenthal, a former deputy city attorney with extensive housing experience
The mayor’s seat is also up for grabs this fall. Mayor Elaine O’Neal has said she will not seek reelection.
No candidates have announced a mayoral run yet, though City Council member Leonardo Williams and attorney Kenneth Spaulding have both told The News & Observer they are considering it. Mayor Pro Tem Mark-Anthony Middleton said he is undecided.
The filing period opens in one week.
How to vote in Durham’s municipal elections
Dates to know in 2023:
- July 7-21: Candidate filing period
- Oct. 10: Primary Day
- Nov. 7: Election Day
Heads up, NC residents must now show a photo ID to vote, the state Supreme Court ruled.
Learn how to register by visiting dcovotes.com.
This story was originally published June 30, 2023 at 8:27 AM.
