Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin filed to run for a fifth term in office, after previously announcing his fourth would be his last. Colvin is running against nine other candidates for the position.

“Last month, I stood before many of you and said I was stepping away to spend more time with my family. For that brief moment, I was prepared not to file for re-election,” said Mayor Colvin in a press release. “Since then, I spoke with so many Fayetteville residents from all races and partisan backgrounds who asked me to reconsider, as they wanted me to stay the course and finish the work we started under my leadership. Paired with their concerns about the changing face of City Council, I’ve decided to run for re-election because I believe what Fayetteville needs right now is stable, proven leadership.”

Mayor Colvin has served as the mayor of Fayetteville since 2017. Prior to being elected as the mayor, he served two consecutive terms on the Fayetteville City Council from 2013 - 2017, first representing District 3 and later as Mayor Pro Tem. As mayor, Colvin focused on economic development, jobs and infrastructure. 

His accomplishments have been numerous, including completing the award-winning, $41 million Segra Stadium and welcoming Minor League Baseball team, the Fayetteville Woodpeckers to Fayetteville; facilitating more than $1.4 billion in new investments and over 5,000 new jobs with Amazon and American Titanium Company; and leading the passage of the $35 million Parks and Recreation Bond which increased investment by over 40 percent with five new pools, seven splash pads, two state-of-the art senior centers and new tennis, pickle ball and soccer facilities in collaboration with Methodist University. Colvin was also instrumental in creating the Fayetteville-Cumberland Regional Entrepreneur and Business Hub via a historic partnership with Fayetteville State University.

“My decision to reenter the race does not come from a selfish place. I love this city, and I love our community,” said Mayor Colvin in a press release. “I have always fought for the best interests of our community. And I believe that Fayetteville can still be the safeguard, and we can keep our community grounded, even as we watch chaos unfold nationally.”

The primary election is scheduled for Oct. 7, 2025, followed by the general election on Nov. 4, 2025.