Marjorie Molina, Charlotte City Council District 5 candidate, answers our questions
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Voter Guide 2025: Read answers for Charlotte City Council District 5
In east Charlotte’s District 5 Charlotte City Council primary, incumbent Democrat Majorie Molina faces a challenge from J.D. Mazuera Arias.
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To help inform voters in the Sept. 9, 2025, election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The Charlotte Observer to help make this coverage possible.
Name: Marjorie Molina
Email: votemolinaclt@gmail.com
Political party: Democrat
Which position are you running for on the Charlotte City Council? District 5
Age: 44
Campaign website or social media page: votemolina.com
Occupation: Senior Business Development Executive; Councilwoman, District 5; Mother of 2 Teens
Education: Master of Science from the Belk College of Business at UNC Charlotte; Executive Education at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government; Bachelor of Arts at Arizona State University; and certificates in Data Analytics, Business Analysis, and Project Management.
Have you run for and/or held elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought and/or held)
Yes. I was first elected to Charlotte City Council in 2022 and began serving District 5. I was re-elected in 2023 and am currently serving my second term. I serve as Vice Chair of the Transportation, Planning, and Development Committee and am the only woman serving on the Jobs and Economic Development Committee.
Please list your highlights of civic involvement Charlotte City Council Member, District 5; Leadership Charlotte Class 42; FBI Citizens Academy Graduate; United Nations Women’s Global Champion of Women’s Economic Empowerment; Board of Directors N.C. League of Municipalities; Board of Directors Charlotte Area Fund; Mecklenburg County Women’s Advisory Board Member; City of Charlotte Equitable Development Commission
What are the most important issues facing Charlotte, and how would you address them?
The most important issues facing Charlotte are equitable growth, responsible infrastructure decisions, and affordable housing. I will address these by prioritizing community voices, advocating for inclusive and forward-thinking policies, and ensuring that growth benefits all residents.
The city of Charlotte provided CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings with more than $305,000 in a deal reached during a private meeting – details of which were not available until news outlets started reporting on the issue. Did the city handle this correctly based on what the public knows about the situation? Why or why not? Chief Jennings dedicated 33 years to our city. The settlement honored his service and ensured a stable leadership transition. While closed sessions are required by law, I acknowledge the concerns about transparency. My focus remains on integrity and honoring both accountability and respect.
How will you earn public trust in the wake of public controversies that roiled City Council this spring?
I will continue to uphold the values that have always guided my service: transparency, integrity, and active community engagement. My track record shows that I prioritize keeping constituents informed and making sure that every decision is made with the community’s best interests at heart. Moving forward, I will remain committed to clear communication, listening to diverse voices, and ensuring that our city’s governance remains transparent and accountable.
How will you work to improve transparency within city government? I’ll enhance transparency by promoting open dialogue, encouraging community input, and ensuring that government processes are easily understandable and accessible to all residents.
The General Assembly has given Mecklenburg County permission to put a referendum on the ballot to raise the county’s sales tax to fund road, rail and bus projects. Will you vote in favor of the referendum? Why or why not? The decision on the sales tax referendum ultimately lies with the voters, following the unanimous approval from the City of Charlotte and nearly all towns in the county. This measure is designed to fund essential infrastructure projects, including roads and sidewalks. I respect the democratic process and believe it’s important for the community to have the final say on how we invest in our future.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party on local or state issues? Why? While I align with my party’s core values, I believe in prioritizing what best serves our community. That means being open to independent thinking and collaboration to achieve the best outcomes for everyone.
What separates you from your opponent(s)? What distinguishes me is a proven legacy of leadership and tangible outcomes. I’ve consistently delivered for East Charlotte—transforming priorities into concrete improvements. My experience means that I bring not just vision, but real, measurable progress and deep-rooted community trust.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of? I am most proud of leading the historic Eastland redevelopment, transforming a long-vacant site into a vibrant community hub. This project stands as a testament to collaborative vision, persistent leadership, and a commitment to revitalizing our district.
This story was originally published August 13, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
