Fayetteville voters are preparing for a significant mayoral election this November following the unexpected announcement by current Mayor Mitch Colvin that he will not seek a fifth term. Colvin, who has served as mayor for eight years and held public office for a total of twelve, made the surprising statement Thursday afternoon.

His decision opens the field for a new leader to guide "America's Can-Do City." Four prominent candidates have emerged as contenders for the top spot: current Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Jensen, District 3 Councilman Mario Benavente, and former mayoral candidates Freddie De La Cruze and Paul Williams.

In a press release issued June 12, 2025, Mayor Colvin reflected on his tenure, stating, “While we’ve accomplished and grown the city so much during my time as Mayor, for everything there is a season. As I look to the future, I plan to continue working to make Fayetteville a better place by contributing to the community, but I’m also looking forward to spending time with my family and working in my business.”

Colvin, Fayetteville's longest-serving Black mayor, first took office in 2017 after two terms on the Fayetteville City Council. He consistently won reelection by substantial margins, including a notable 95 percent of the vote in November 2019.

As the city looks to the future, residents like Adrea Knight are prioritizing public safety, with gun violence being a top concern when considering the next mayor. Mayor Colvin, when asked if he had a specific candidate in mind to succeed him, stated that he believes the choice is best left up to the voters. A common sentiment among Fayetteville residents, including Andrea, is the desire for unity in the community. Colvin has expressed his willingness to be as helpful as possible to whoever the next mayor is.