[Election 2025] Leonardo Williams Files for Re-Election

Mayor Leonardo Williams on Tuesday filed his candidacy papers for re-election to lead the City of Durham.

His campaign website lists achievements as mayor, including:

Creating the Bull City Future Fund
Membership on the board of trustees for the African American Mayors Association
Showcasing tech, startups, and economic development at the United States Roundtable of Mayors.

He filed to run again a day after Anjanee Bell, daughter of former Durham Mayor William Bell, turned in her papers to challenge Williams for the job on Oct. 7.

DeDreana Freeman Faces Ward 1 Challenger

On Tuesday, Elijah King – who has served as third vice chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party since 2023 – officially challenged incumbent DeDreana Freeman for the Ward 1 City Council seat.

King has served on the boards of InsideOut (supporting LGBTQ+ youth), Made in Durham, and the NC AIDS Action Network.

“My advocacy has always centered on making sure no one is left behind,” King states on his campaign website. “That’s the same energy I’m bringing to City Council.”

Freeman seeks re-election to keep working with Durham communities to sustain neighborhoods and small businesses.

“The recent flooding in North Durham reminds us how vulnerable our communities are to the pressures of unchecked development and worsening climate conditions,” Freeman said. “When disaster strikes – whether it’s losing a car, a home, or even just a day’s pay – it can devastate a family or shutter a small business already working hard to stay afloat in these challenging economic times.”

The filing period for municipal elections continues until July 18.