City of Charlotte Announces Interim Mayor

Interim Mayor Robert Harrington

Charlotte City Council announced the selection of Interim Mayor Robert Harrington to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mayor Vi Lyles.

Under North Carolina state law and Charlotte’s governing procedures, City Council must appoint a qualified candidate of the same political party to serve out the remainder of Lyles’ term, running through December 2027.

On June 9, 2026, nominations were submitted for the mayoral vacancy and Council scheduled a Special Meeting on June 18, 2026, to interview candidates ahead of the appointment.

Harrington was among five finalists for the position. Harold Cogdell, Carrie Cook, Mayor Pro Tem James Mitchell and North Carolina State Sen. Caleb Theodros were the other finalists.

Harrington, who is president of the North Carolina Bar Association, was selected following the second ballot after no candidates received six votes on the first ballot from City Council.