Sary Chakra, GOP Charlotte City Council District 6 candidate, answers our questions
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Voter Guide 2025: Read answers for District 6
Two Republicans are competing for the Charlotte City Council District 6 seat — Krista Bokhari and Sary Chakra. Bokhari is the wife of former councilman Tariq Bokhari, who resigned to take a job in the Trump administration. The District 6 race is the only Republican primary in Charlotte in 2025.
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Name: Sary Chakra
Political party: Republican
Which position are you running for on the Charlotte City Council?
District 6 - Charlotte City Council
Age: 33
Campaign website or social media page: sarychakra.com
Occupation
Business owner
Education
B.S. in Criminal Justice
Have you run for and/or held elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought and/or held)
No, however I’ve had a passion for politics since high school through Debate Club and history classes. I earned my B.S. in Criminal Justice from ECU, where I developed a strong interest in local government. I believe real change starts in our communities. At 34, I’m a Charlotte native, small business owner and active in neighborhood and political meetings. I bring a fresh voice, local knowledge and a commitment to transparency and accountability.
Please list your highlights of civic involvement
I regularly attend HOA and neighborhood meetings and previously served on my HOA board, keeping neighbors informed on District 6 issues. After Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina in 2024, my brother, friends and I volunteered our time and equipment — bringing a mini-excavator and skid steer to clear roads and help relief efforts. No one asked us — we simply saw a need and took action. That’s the kind of leadership I believe Charlotte needs.
What are the most important issues facing Charlotte, and how would you address them?
Charlotte’s biggest issues are traffic, public safety and transparency. I’ll push for smarter signal timing, quick-build congestion fixes and publish data to explain priorities. I support CMPD but want funding tied to outcomes like faster response times. I’ll also launch community safety grants. To rebuild trust, I’ll post my votes publicly, hold regular meetings and push for transparency reforms, including a review of Council’s closed-door practices.
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?
No , this is a clear example of why we need more transparency in city government. Details only came out after public pressure. I wasn’t part of the closed session, but based on what’s been made public, this should’ve gone through the courts. The process lacked transparency, the Council failed to communicate proactively and critical aspects — like comments to Chief Jennings and the settlement breakdown — were mishandled. We must do better.
How will you earn public trust in the wake of public controversies that roiled City Council this spring?
I’m running to help rebuild trust between the public and our local leaders. Giving back through public service is a responsibility, not a privilege. I’m here to represent the people, not play politics. If elected, I’ll hold regular open office hours and clearly communicate how I vote and why. Transparency and accountability will guide everything I do on Council. That’s how we earn back trust and move Charlotte forward.
How will you work to improve transparency within city government?
I’ll keep residents informed through SaryChakra.com and social media. I’ll also push to fix Charlotte’s public records delays as I’ve personally experienced months long waits as a business owner. That’s unacceptable. As The Charlotte Observer said, Council must stop playing with transparency. I’ll ensure District 6 knows what’s happening, how decisions are made and how they impact our community. Honest, open leadership is my promise.
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?
Yes, I support the one-cent sales tax because District 6 will benefit, and the overall projects it funds are essential to Charlotte’s future. As a City Council member, I must also consider the broader good. With the rapid growth we’re experiencing, we need to be proactive in improving roads, rail and bus infrastructure to keep up and ensure our city remains livable and connected.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party on local or state issues? Why?
I’m proud to work with my party and believe it’s important the Republican voice is heard on a Democrat-heavy council. That said, my loyalty is to the people of District 6. If my party supported a policy that hurt our community on housing, policing or transparency I’d speak out and vote against it. I won’t blindly follow a party line if it goes against the best interests of my constituents.
What separates you from your opponent(s)?
I can’t speak for my opponents, but I’m out in the district having real conversations with residents, and I’ll keep listening, good and bad. While there’s overlap in our priorities, District 6 has seen conflict on Council. I believe it’s time for a fresh start. What sets me apart is my commitment to a new, respectful and non-partisan approach focused on productive discourse and real results for our community.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m proud of what I’ve built in business and the trust I’ve earned along the way. I’ve learned to lead under pressure, make tough decisions and bring people together to get results. Those strengths come from my parents’ example and the values I was raised with. I bring that same mindset to public service: show up, do the work and lead with integrity.
This story was originally published August 13, 2025 at 8:00 AM.
