Raleigh City Council Endorsements

Citizens for a Safe & Secure Raleigh (CSSR) is proud to endorse the following candidates in the Raleigh City Council primary and general elections on March 3, 2026 and November 3, 2026. These endorsements are based on each candidate’s demonstrated commitment to public safety, experience, and dedication to the well-being of our community.

"Keeping our community safe is the most important job of the mayor and City Council.”

-Janet Cowell, mayor

Election Details

In 2026, City Council districts will hold non-partisan primaries on March 3. The two candidates in each district who receive the most votes will advance to the general election in November.

Early Voting: February 12–28, 2026
Primary Election Day: Mar. 3, 2026

General Election Dates

Early Voting: October 15–30, 2026
General Election Day: November 3, 2026

At-Large

Stormie Forte

A City Council member since 2000, Forte serves as Vice-Chair of the Housing and Environment Committee and is a member of the Economic Development and Innovation Committee. She currently serves as Mayor Pro Tem. A licensed attorney, real estate agent, and consultant, Forte has worked for the state’s Department of Correction and Department of Health and Human Services. Forte supports salary increases for the city’s first responders and has pledged to vote for an increased budget for the Raleigh Police Department.

At-Large

Clark Rinehart

An entrepreneur and former pastor who has called Raleigh home since 2009, Rinehart believes that public safety must be a strong foundation as the city continues to grow. Having witnessed Raleigh’s transformation firsthand, he is focused on expanding affordability, increasing housing supply, and advancing multimodal transportation so more residents can share in the city’s success. Through his civic involvement, including serving on the city’s working group for the former DMV site on New Bern Avenue, Rinehart is committed to building a Raleigh that is affordable, safe, and thriving for generations to come.

District C

Corey Branch

First elected to the Council in 2015, Branch serves as Chair of the Community Safety and Quality of Life Committee and as a member of the Transportation and Transit Committee. The private-sector information technology manager has served twice as mayor pro tempore. Among his top Council priorities are public safety and economic development. Branch said he would increase the police budget in three key areas: improving police officer pay, supplying the officers with equipment, and increasing the number of social workers within the ACORNS team.

District Attorney Race Candidates

The Wake County DA race will be subject to a partisan primary with only Democrats. This primary election will determine the Wake County District Attorney. Citizens for a Safe & Secure Raleigh has met with each candidate individually. Although we will not be making an endorsement, all of the candidates have indicated that they are supportive of our vision of what it will take for Raleigh to be safe and secure.

Wiley Nickel

Wiley Nickel is a North Carolina attorney and public servant with a strong record of advocating for public safety, economic opportunity, and accountable government. He previously represented North Carolina in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he focused on pragmatic solutions and bipartisan collaboration. Nickel brings a deep understanding of policy, law, and community needs to his work in support of a safer, stronger Raleigh.

Melanie Shekita

Melanie Shekita is a Raleigh-based community advocate committed to strengthening neighborhoods and supporting initiatives that promote safety and quality of life. She brings a thoughtful, community-driven perspective to civic engagement and believes in solutions that balance public safety, accountability, and long-term community well-being.

Sherita Walton

First elected to the Council in 2015, Branch serves as Chair of the Community Safety and Quality of Life Committee and as a member of the Transportation and Transit Committee. The private-sector information technology manager has served twice as mayor pro tempore. Among his top Council priorities are public safety and economic development. Branch said he would increase the police budget in three key areas: improving police officer pay, supplying the officers with equipment, and increasing the number of social workers within the ACORNS team.