Yvette Townsend-Ingram

Party:

Democrat

Incumbent:

Yes

Age:

Previous experience in elected office:

County Commission At-Large member (2024-Present)

Occupation:

Mecklenburg County Commissioner

Description:

Townsend-Ingram emphasizes improving communication of county services, reducing food insecurity, expanding wrap-around services for families and accelerating Mecklenburg County’s MWSBE (Minority, Women, Small, and Business Enterprise) Program as her primary priorities. She has advocated for funding and programs supporting HBCUs like Johnson C. Smith University and Livingstone College.

Other personal:

Townsend‑Ingram is a native of West Virginia who moved to Charlotte nearly 30 years ago for better economic opportunities. She resides in Mecklenburg County’s District 2. She lives with the youngest of her two adult sons. She has served as the Democratic chair of her precinct and on the Mecklenburg County Community Relations Committee. In 2024, she pleaded guilty to a DWI, an incident she has publicly acknowledged while continuing her community and civic involvement. However, in January 2025, she attended a commissioner retreat and failed to appear for a hearing related to that case. It was reported there had been a warrant for her arrest that was since resolved. She wrote in a Facebook post that there was a mistake due to not reporting her follow-up appropriately. She recently underwent heart surgery and is waiting for a heart transplant, making her unable to attend commissioner meetings at the time. She earned a B.S. from West Virginia State University, an MBA from Strayer University, and completed "all but the dissertation" (ABD) for a Doctor of Business Administration from Walden University.

The Election Hub Questionnaire

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

I am 55 years old (by Nov 2026); I earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from HBCU WV State Univesity, a Master of Business Administration from Strayer University, and a Doctorate of Business Administration (ABD) from Walden University; I a small business consultant/grant writer; I've lived in D2 of Mecklenburg County for the past 29 years.

Why are you running for this role and why should voters pick you? Please share your previous experience in elected office that would be relevant to voters.

I am running for my 2nd term as an At-Larg County Commissioner because there are so many needs that need to be met of the underserved; the working class; small business owners; and especially our children. I have invaluable experience in all of these areas. I have and continue to serve with my four Es--Empathy, Experience, Excellence, and Equity.

Tell us 1-2 professional accomplishments you have achieved in your work experience (not limited to public service) that give voters a sense of your leadership style or skills.

I voted to fully fund CMS's requested budget because I highly value public education; I've voted to protect and preserve farmland and other environmental resources; I've worked to improve communication of Mecklenburg County services to residents; I've worked with partners such as Nourish Up to diminish food insecurity throughout Mecklenburg County I've hosted three small business technical assistance town halls. As the Director of Foundation Relations at Johnson C Smith University, I secured nearly $1M in funding in support of good maternal health outcomes, including training women to become doulas, maternal health educators and lactation specialists. I have championed mental health wellness for children and adults. I consistently work to improve health outcomes for women, especially concerns related to heart disease, the number one killer of women and I am an open-heart surgery survivor!

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an area of concern for many voters (e.g. government-run chatbots; AI-generated videos, text and images; data centers; license-plate readers; AI to hire and evaluate employees or teach students). How should elected officials in your role or others regulate AI, if you believe they should? How should elected officials in your role use AI?

Ai is not new. It has been here for a while and we use it in everyday life already. Ai is improving and "learning". Just like when the world wide web emerged, it can be used for good and for bad, but it will remain a necessity of every day living. I have a responsibility as an elected leader and policy maker to continuously learn the benefits and harmful effects Ai can have on our society and then create policy to protect the public and empower the public as Ai grows.

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

I have not sought endorsements for the 2026 General Election since I am running unopposed.

How long have you lived in the region/district where you are running for office?

I've lived in district 2 for all 29 years I've been in NC.

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

I successfully underwent open heart surgery on May 12, 2026. I returned to county commission work the next month, June 2026 and I am currently on the heart transplant list! I continue to serve Mecklenburg County as a champion of heart health. I live with a device that keeps my heart beating, called a Left Ventricle Assist Device or LVAD. I am proof that there is no impediment you cannot overcome when you have been called to serve!