James (Smuggie) Mitchell, Jr.

Party:

Democratic

Incumbent:

Yes

Previous experience in elected office:

Charlotte City Council At-Large (2015-2021; 2022- Present); District 2 Representative (1999-2013)

Age:

Occupation:

Director of Business Development at McFarland Construction; former president of the National League of Cities; Trustee at NC Central University

Description:

Mitchell’s platform addresses housing, economic mobility and public safety through targeted programs. He proposes developing a rent assistance voucher system and using city-owned land to support affordable housing development, especially along transit corridors. In economic policy, he advocates for funding women-owned businesses, start-ups, and “Corridors of Opportunity” initiatives. In public safety, Mitchell promotes increased support for community-based violence prevention nonprofits, neighborhood-driven police station placement, and comprehensive police training in implicit bias and de-escalation tactics. He stepped down from the council in 2021 because he acquired an ownership interest in a city construction contractor, R.J. Leeper Construction, but he won election again in 2022, and that issue appears to be resolved. He supports the current transit referendum but also says that the plan must better service underserved communities. Mitchell often refers to himself as Charlotte’s biggest cheerleader, and he tends to support recommendations from city staff and often votes with the council’s majority coalition.

Other personal:

Mitchell is a third-generation Charlottean and graduated from West Charlotte High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from NC Central University. He is married to astronaut Joan Higginbotham, the third African-American woman to travel to space, and is the father of two adult women. In this election, Mitchell was the only Democratic incumbent to not receive an endorsement from The Charlotte Observer.

Candidate Website

The Election Hub Questionnaire

Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live).

I’m a third-generation native Charlottean, currently serving as a Councilmember At-Large for the City of Charlotte and a proud graduate of North Carolina Central University. I also serve as Director of Business Development at McFarland Construction. I live on the North side of Charlotte and am a devoted husband and father to two grown daughters.

Why are you running for this role and why should voters pick you?

I have served the citizens of Charlotte as both a District 2 Councilmember and as an At-Large Councilmember.

This year, my slogan is Enthusiasm, Experience, and Results. I’m still energized and excited to serve the people of Charlotte. Like the energizer bunny, I’m going strong and committed to working hard for our community every day. Thanks to the support of many Charlotteans, I’ve been able to provide experienced leadership and deliver solutions to some of our city’s toughest challenges, including affordable housing, small and minority business participation, and workforce development.

But the work isn’t done yet. With your support and input, I’d be honored to keep working on behalf of the citizens of Charlotte to build a stronger, more equitable city for all.

What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the first six months if elected?

My top 3 issues are: 1) affordable housing, 2) economic and workforce development and 3) small and minority business development. I have championed doubling the house trust fund from $50 50 $100 million, led efforts to close the funding gap for key Corridors of Opportunity, and spearheaded policies to help provide employment for individuals who previously faced barriers to employment.

What I'd like to accomplish in the first six months is in the area of small & minority business development:

I’d implement the Quick Payment Program, currently a pilot program, to reduce payment cycles from 90 to 30 days and improve cash flow for small businesses.
I’d ensure a strategic plan is in place to meet our 27% spending goal with small and minority-owned businesses, equating to $175 million on the $650 million Bank of America project alone.
I’d continue to advocate for greater access to capital
I'd implement a mentoring program to help small and minority businesses build capacity, gain industry knowledge, and compete for larger contracts.

What is your position on the proposed transit tax and why? Will you vote in favor of it or against it in November?

I am in favor of the referendum of the sales tax to fund road, rail and bus projects because having a strong, reliable transit system is essential, especially for residents who face transportation challenges every day. With Governor Stein signing the bill, it's now up to the County Commissioners to put the referendum on the ballot. I’ve supported it and will continue encouraging the voters to do the same.

But passing a tax isn’t enough. We need to ensure the plan prioritizes what people really need, like more frequent buses, expanded routes, and better service in underserved communities.

This is about access, opportunity, and equity. A viable transportation system is one of the key elements of upward economic mobility for our citizens. And a well-executed transit plan will connect people to jobs, ease congestion, and help build a stronger, more inclusive Charlotte.

What endorsements from any notable NC organizations or individuals have you received?

The endorsement process is just beginning and none have been made at the time of completing this questionnaire.

Tell us something unexpected about you that voters may be interested to know.

I am married to a retired NASA astronaut (the 3rd Black female to go in space).