Tiawana Brown runs again for Charlotte City Council seat despite federal indictment
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Brown films a Facebook live for her campaign page while at the Board of Elections office. Photo: Alexandria Sands/Axios
Charlotte City Council member Tiawana Brown officially filed Wednesday to run for reelection in District 3. After submitting her paperwork at the Board of Elections, she told reporters she was hitting the campaign trail to "knock on doors in my red bottoms."
Why it matters: Brown is facing federal charges for allegedly securing $124,000 in pandemic loans in 2021 and spending the funds on personal and luxury items, like Louis Vuitton merchandise.
At the board of elections office, Brown filled out her paperwork surrounded by supporters holding campaign signs.
- She declined to take questions from reporters, many of whom were already there because Mayor Vi Lyles had held a reelection press conference minutes prior.
- Brown said the press had done "enough damage" and told reporters to capture good pictures of her — not like she was "in jail."
What she's saying: "All of the people that are running against me, good luck. But you got some big shoes to fill. Good luck. Good luck," Brown repeated.
Zoom in: Brown's campaign website cites her top issues as affordable housing, transportation and infrastructure, workforce development and public safety.
- "I'm excited to just stand in solidarity for those of you that don't normally have the regular voice at city council," Brown said while filming a live video on Facebook. "Thank you for being with me ... during the storm."
The big picture: The District 3 race to represent parts of west Charlotte will be one of the most closely watched in this year's city council elections.
- So far, Democrats Montravias King, a board member of Keep Charlotte Beautiful, and Joi Mayo, the founder of Transforming Nations Ford, have filed. Both have lists of other community leadership roles.
- On the Republican side, James Bowers is running again. He lost to Brown in the 2023 general election with only 21% of votes — or 1,690 ballots.
- District 3's voter registration is 47% Democratic, 37% unaffiliated and 14% Republican.
What they're saying: Charlotte political consultant Dan McCorkle points out that the more candidates who enter the race, the fewer votes Brown needs to win.
- "That could be just friends and family, literally," McCorkle said. "The District 3 primary turnout is always terrible."
Flashback: In the 2023 primary, only 4.92% of registered voters cast ballots.
- Brown defeated the other Democrats with 60% of the votes.