Former Charlotte mayor makes pitch for interim job after Vi Lyles resigns
A former Charlotte mayor is offering to lead the city again following the resignation of current Mayor Vi Lyles.
Democrat Jennifer Roberts, who served one term as mayor from 2015 to 2017 before losing a primary to Lyles, sent a letter to City Council members and the media Monday saying she’s “willing to serve as an interim mayor.”
Lyles announced last week she will resign June 30, less than a year into her fifth term as mayor. The City Council is tasked with appointing someone to serve as interim mayor until the next municipal election in November 2027. State statute says the appointee must live in Charlotte and be a registered member of the same political party as the outgoing mayor.
Roberts wrote that others in the community have told her she’s the right choice for the job since Lyles made her announcement.
“If you so choose, I would offer my time and my support for the challenges that the city is currently facing, and put every effort into guiding the city on the path where you and the city staff are steering it. I know that an interim should not seek any bold changes in direction, and I have confidence in our professional staff who work tirelessly to meet the many needs of our rapidly growing city and region,” she wrote. “It would be a seamless and fairly quick transition and not need yet another process to replace someone else already serving in office.”
Roberts said she wouldn’t take a salary or benefits as interim mayor and pledged not to run for a full term in 2027. The council has asked candidates for appointments to promise not to seek a full term before, though multiple appointees have ended up running for office anyway.
“We have many challenges ahead but we also have great community resources, and I have faith in the people of Charlotte, who are talented, community minded, and resilient. It would be a great honor to serve you again,” she wrote.
The former mayor also apologized to council members “for speaking to a few media sources before coming to you first to let you know this.” Roberts told WBTV in an interview published Friday she “can jump in right away” if appointed.
Roberts has remained involved in politics since leaving office and is a frequent presence at local political rallies and events. She floated a run for mayor in 2025 but ultimately didn’t file to run.
Lyles served as mayor pro tem on the City Council during Roberts’ tenure as mayor and challenged her in the 2017 Democratic primary as Roberts faced political pressure over a showdown with the General Assembly over LGBTQ+ rights and questions about the then-mayor’s handling of the Keith Lamont Scott protests. Lyles won the primary then defeated a Republican in the general election and has been mayor ever since.
In her Monday letter, Roberts thanked Lyles for her service.
“I know the personal sacrifice that it requires. You have been a trailblazer and a leader through challenging and extraordinary times,” Roberts said.
Multiple council members previously offered differing takes to The Charlotte Observer on whether they should appoint someone from among their ranks or an outsider to the interim post, and whether the appointee should have to pledge not to run for a full term in 2027.
The 2027 mayoral race is expected to see a crowded field, with at least five current council members believed to be interested in the job.
Observer reporter Nick Sullivan contributed.
