Change brewing atop Mecklenburg County as second commissioner won’t run in 2026
Another longtime Mecklenburg County commissioner won’t seek another term in office.
Commissioner Elaine Powell, first elected in 2018, announced late Monday she doesn’t plan to run for reelection in 2026. The Democrat represents District 1, which includes parts of north Charlotte and the towns of Huntersville, Davidson and Cornelius.
Powell’s announcement came about two weeks after fellow Commissioner Laura Meier announced she wouldn’t run again in 2026 either.
“I still have an entire year left in my fourth term, and I will continue to focus on representing north Mecklenburg while also working on board priorities, my committee appointments and other important assignments,” Powell said in a statement.
Known for her advocacy for the environment and local parks, Powell served as vice chair of the Board of County Commissioners for five years of her time in office.
She defeated Republican Aaron Marin with 59.3% of the vote in 2024 to win her fourth term.
Adam Pasiak, former chair of Democrats of North Mecklenburg, has launched a campaign for the District 1 seat.
Candidate filing for 2026 races began Monday and runs through noon on Dec. 19.
Pasiak and current Commissioners Leigh Altman, Arthur Griffin, George Dunlap and Susan Rodriguez-McDowell have all filed with the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections to run again as of Tuesday afternoon.
Dunlap and Commissioner Vilma Leake have already picked up Democratic primary challengers.
