Janet Cowell, former state treasurer and longtime political figure in Raleigh, has been elected as the city’s next mayor, securing a decisive victory with 60% of the vote in a five-way race.

Cowell celebrated her win at a watch party Tuesday night at Birdie’s Barroom & Kitchen, an upscale restaurant just a five-minute walk from the Raleigh mayor’s office. The outdoor party featured a white marquee with standing tables, a stage with an American flag and large screens displaying election coverage.

Cowell took the stage at 9.30 p.m. before official results were announced to declare her victory. 

“I have gotten 60% of the early votes,” Cowell said. “So while they have not called it, I think I’m comfortable calling it.”

The crowd responded with laughter and applause.

Cowell campaigned on housing affordability, public safety, environmental protection and downtown revitalization. She will succeed two-term Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin, who did not seek re-election.

With 27 years of experience in Raleigh politics, Cowell’s extensive network and successful fundraising efforts contributed significantly to her win. She raised $550,899, the most of all mayor and city council candidates this year by far. About $30,000 came out of her own pocket and she received almost 850 individual donations.

“About 25% came from people who have interest in development and construction and engineering in the city, a little more transactional,” Cowell said. “But the other 75% of the money is all from friends, family, people who believe in me; they have no dog in the fight.”

Cowell sat on the city council from 2001 to 2004, represented Raleigh in the state senate from 2004 and 2008, served two terms as state treasurer until 2017 and was president of Dix Park Conservancy from 2021 to 2024.

Her experience resonated with voters and supporters alike. Summer Pease, a second-year studying political science at NC State and a campaign intern for Cowell, said she appreciated Cowell’s bipartisan appeal.

“I really liked how she is endorsed by the Democratic Party, but is definitely a bipartisan candidate,” Pease said. 

Inés M. Palacios, a board member of Dix Park Conservancy, who did her undergraduate, graduate and PhD studies in parks and recreation at NC State, said she is a not permanent resident of the United States and therefore can not vote yet, but supported Cowell with a donation. 

Palacios said Cowell’s focus on sustainable development won her endorsement. 

“[Cowell] is for public spaces, green spaces, open spaces and because of my background in parks and recreation, that really interests me as well,” Palacios said.

Cowell, who grew up United Methodist, and whose favorite book is the Bible, made a concerted effort to connect with Raleigh’s diverse communities. She said she visited 15 to 20 places of worship during her campaign.   

“I’ve been to a lot of churches,” Cowell said. “It has been really strong to be with the faith community and the congregations in Raleigh and mosques and synagogues.” 

Looking ahead, Cowell emphasized the importance of collaboration with the city council and the city manager.

“The mayor has to work very closely with not only the council, but with the city manager,” Cowell said. “I will be talking to her tomorrow morning to start the work already of planning for both the swearing-in and all the work that has to be done.” 

Cowell’s victory was decisive, with her nearest competitor, Paul Fitts, receiving only 18% of the vote. Terrance Ruth, who many projected as her main opposition, received just 11%.

Cowell said she was thankful that the other candidates stepped up to the plate to offer their vision and ideas for the city. 

One of her opponents, James Shaughnessy IV, even showed up to Cowell’s party. Shaughnessy said he knew it would be an uphill battle for him, that all the candidates had great relations and that it’s been a very friendly race. 

Shaughnessy later helped one of Cowell’s supporters by taking a picture of the supporter and Cowell.

Cowell ended her victory speech with a promise of collaboration between herself and the people of Raleigh.

“All of you who are here who have given me your advice, the policy, the council — I look forward to working with all of you on the first 100 days, the first year, planning that transition to get really good things done for Raleigh and make it a city that works for everyone,” Cowell said. “So thank you very much. I’m very honored to have won this race tonight.”