Justin Lewter, Kannapolis mayoral candidate, answers our questions
To help inform voters in the Nov. 4, 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: Justin M Lewter
Birthdate: July 6, 1971
Campaign website or social media page
IG: @justin4kannapolis, facebook.com/Justin4Kannapolis, www.justin4Kannapolis.org
Occupation: Business Owner/ Consultant
Education: BA - Lincoln University, MBA - Queens University
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought or held) No.
Please list your highlights of civic involvement My civic engagement has been grassroots and focused on the needs of people and communities. From organizing on issues of housing, education, and racism to organizing programs for youth, canvassing for candidates and supporting campaigns I believed would improve the lives of their constituents, I have consistently advocated for positive change in public life. I am a member of the Black Political Caucus of Cabarrus County, NAACP, Down Home NC, and the Black Men Vote Coalition.
What are the most important issues facing Kannapolis today, and how would you address them? I believe all three of our greatest issues are completely interconnected: Housing Affordability and Homelessness, Economic development and Infrastructure. Improved infrastructure is inviting to both industry and a motivated citizenry. Businesses offering quality wages insures our residents can afford to rent and own homes, raise families and build community, and greatly reduces homelessness and public safety. I am proposing we reexamine budget priorities for long term growth.
Development, particularly downtown, has changed Kannapolis significantly over the previous several years. What’s your opinion on how growth and development is changing what things feel like living in Kannapolis? And what’s your vision of what Kannapolis should look and feel like in the next few years? Downtown Kannapolis has seen positive growth and development. It is a testament to focused effort by city government to invite business and support their growth. But longstanding businesses outside of the downtown area are asking the question: what about me? I offer leadership with a vision for the entire city. To start: A bus system with smaller vehicles and more routes and sidewalks will improve economic growth for businesses and residents alike. Our city will be a model for suburban modernity.
How would you support improving parks, recreation and community spaces in Kannapolis?
One of the best means to improve our community spaces is to increase the demand for their use. Turn our parks into multi-functional spaces by designing areas that can be transformed for various activities i.e. sports fields that can double as a concert venue. Create tech spaces. Public wifi will invite both casual, educational and professional users to enjoy the outdoors. These kinds of amenities and upgrades can generate revenue and pay for themselves over time.
Why should voters choose you over others who are in the race?
I am an independent candidate. Determined to put people over parties and partisanship. My commitment is to build consensus and common sense government that improves the lives of all residents not just a privileged few.
This story was originally published October 15, 2025 at 3:00 PM.
