Raleigh Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
Janet Cowell
Candidate for Mayor (incumbent)
Janet Cowell, the incumbent, is running for mayor of Raleigh in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Ashleigh Heath Armstrong.
Voter registration deadline (5 p.m.) · Fri, Oct 9, 2026
In 4 daysMayor of Raleigh since 2024. Previously a Raleigh City Council member, N.C. state senator, N.C. state treasurer, and president and CEO of the Dix Park Conservancy.
- Endorsed by
- AFL-CIO; Apartment Association; Homebuilders Association; Raleigh Wake Citizens Association; Sierra Club; Wake Voter Education Ballotpedia · Sep 30, 2026
- Campaign website
- www.janetcowellformayor.com
Where Janet Cowell stands: positions on the record
Bonds1 sourced position
Voted yes on the resolution calling the Nov. 3, 2026 housing and transportation bond referendum (adopted 8-0, May 2026).
Council voteRaleigh City Council minutes, Regular Session, 2026-05-19 · May 19, 2026
Budget1 sourced position
Voted yes on adopting the fiscal year 2026-27 operating budget ordinance (adopted 8-0, June 2026).
Council voteRaleigh City Council minutes, Budget Work Session, 2026-06-08 · Jun 8, 2026
Public safety2 sourced positions
Voted yes on accepting donated police equipment, including GPS tracking systems, from the Raleigh Police Department Foundation (passed 6-2, January 2026).
Council voteRaleigh City Council minutes, Regular Session, 2026-01-20 · Jan 20, 2026
Calls investing in first responders and public safety professionals a top priority.
“Investing in first responders / public safety professionals to keep all Raleigh residents safe is a top priority.”
Own statementBallotpedia · Sep 30, 2026
Growth2 sourced positions
Voted yes on the North Hills rezoning (Z-34-25) at I-440 and Six Forks Road (passed 6-2, January 2026).
Council voteRaleigh City Council minutes, Regular Session, 2026-01-20 · Jan 20, 2026
Voted yes on text change TC-1-26, which removes a per-student land-area requirement for schools in certain mixed-use districts (passed 6-2, August 2026).
Council voteRaleigh City Council minutes, Regular Session, 2026-08-18 · Aug 18, 2026
City government1 sourced position
Voted yes on the ordinance carrying out the special committee's recommendations on council advisory boards and commissions (passed 5-3, October 2025).
Council voteRaleigh City Council minutes, Regular Session, 2025-10-07 · Oct 7, 2025
Data centers1 sourced position
Announced the proposed six-month moratorium on data centers larger than 10,000 square feet; said it is only six months because the city already has some data center rules.
“I think we all felt like getting a pause gives us a chance to actually have a conversation, do the work and maybe lower the temperature”
Own statementThe News & Observer · Sep 15, 2026
Housing1 sourced position
Lists building more housing as a key campaign message, to keep rents and housing prices attainable.
“Building more housing is important to keep rents and housing prices attainable.”
Own statementBallotpedia · Sep 30, 2026
Homelessness1 sourced position
Campaign site says she will work to develop permanent and temporary housing options with services for people who are unhoused.
“she’ll work to develop both permanent and temporary housing options with services needed to help our most vulnerable neighbors who are unhoused”
Own statementJanet Cowell for Mayor
Youth curfew1 sourced position
Spoke in favor of a youth curfew after the July 4, 2026 shootings; the council later agreed to drop the idea.
Own statementThe News & Observer · Sep 16, 2026
Environment1 sourced position
Says she is passionate about creating a “sponge city” that uses parks and creeks to absorb, store and filter rainwater.
Own statementBallotpedia · Sep 30, 2026
Past candidacies1 sourced position
Ran for Raleigh mayor in 2024 (won).
Own statementWake County Board of Elections · Nov 15, 2024
Also running for Mayor
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