2007 Charlotte mayoral election

2007 Charlotte mayoral election

Nominee Pat McCrory Beverly Earle Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 58,501 37,624 Percentage 61% 39%

Mayor before election Pat McCrory Republican Elected mayor Pat McCrory Republican

The biennial Charlotte mayoral election was held on November 6, 2007. Mayor Pat McCrory, a Republican, was re-elected to a seventh term.

Hot button issues

• Light rail: was a source of controversy.
• Potential fallout over Charlotte Bobcats Arena: Arena bonds were voted down in 2002 but were later pushed through without voters' permission. This may have cost Republican city councilwoman Lynn Wheeler, a close McCrory ally, her job.
• Growth: Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. Around 32 people move to Charlotte every day and the city has found it hard to keep up in areas such as education.
• Drunk driving: Charlotte saw a rash of drunk driving incidents, many resulting in deaths, in 2006, leading many to wonder if tougher punishments should be meted out.

Candidates

Democrats

• Beverly Earle: Seven-term North Carolina State Representative.
• Andy Silver: hypnotherapist dropped out of the race after learning that Earle would run

Republicans

• Pat McCrory: Six-term incumbent
• Ken Gjertsen: Member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education, Transit tax opponent

Primary Election Results

Democratic

Beverly Earle was unopposed and did not face a primary.

Republican

Mayor of Charlotte Republican Primary Election 2007

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Pat McCrory (incumbent)	7,432	67
	Republican	Ken Gjertsen	3,629	33
Total votes			11,061	100.00

General Election Results

Mayor of Charlotte General Election Results 2007

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Pat McCrory (incumbent)	58,501	61
	Democratic	Beverly Earle	37,624	39
Total votes			96,125	100.00