Susan Rodriguez-McDowell, a Democrat, is seeking re-election to the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners representing District 6 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Rodriguez-McDowell was first elected to the board in 2018, according to the county's website. Asked why she is seeking the office, she said in our candidate questionnaire: "As the incumbent, I am seeking to continue my work on behalf of the people of District 6. It has been my honor to serve, and I know that there is more work to do. Consistent, stable, experienced governance takes dedication, focus and time."

Asked about the critical differences between herself and other candidates, Rodriguez-McDowell said: "I am running unopposed for the first time in my fifth race."

Candidate information

Party: Democratic

Education: Rodriguez-McDowell said in our questionnaire: "Graduate of South Mecklenburg High School … Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of North Carolina at Charlotte … Master of Arts, Counseling, Colorado Christian University."

Family: "Married to Gavin McDowell for 31 years, mother of 3 amazing adults aged 24 - 28. Gavin and I are empty nesters with my 86 year old mother living in an addition to our home."

Family in politics or government: "No."

Best advice: "Measure twice, cut once. My father was a truck driver and a carpenter. He instilled his work ethic into me and I believe that hard work of any kind requires thoughtful, mindful engagement with the task at hand."

Experience and public service

Rodriguez-McDowell has served as District 6 commissioner since 2018. She said the position is her first elected office.

Asked about her occupation and work history, she said in our questionnaire: "First elected in 2018, I have been employed by Mecklenburg County for nearly 8 years. Prior to that, my significant work history includes Operations Manager for a national graphic arts supply dealer/distributor. I have also been the principal of two arts related small businesses."

Asked what accomplishments she would cite as evidence she can handle the job, Rodriguez-McDowell said: "My record of service on the Board is my greatest asset. I have proven myself to be a responsible, responsive and present leader who listens to people, stands up to status quo thinking, is professional and transparent, and goes the extra mile." She cited accomplishments including "establishing a living wage for all full time county employees; funded the highest teacher supplements in the state for multiple years … increased access to mental health resources … all while keeping the property tax rate low (Meck is ranked 34th lowest of all 100 NC counties)."

On the issues

Economic development: Rodriguez-McDowell, who said she chairs the county's Economic Development Committee, said in our questionnaire: "District 6 has no trouble attracting investment across the district. My favorite focus has been on offering lending and mentoring support to small businesses in all three District 6 towns: Mint Hill, Matthews, Pineville, and south Charlotte to help entrepreneurs stabilize and grow their businesses. … Being so close to the SC border, we often find ourselves competing with SC's aggressive tax incentives. Overall, I am proud of how we have focused on diversifying our economy and attracting jobs that provide economic mobility - not only high paying jobs, but also living wage jobs with benefits and opportunity to grow."

Reproductive health care: On reproductive health care access, Rodriguez-McDowell said: "In my view, choice over one's body and medical decisions should reside with the individual and their doctor. Living in a Dillon Rules state means that we cannot provide services that are not allowed by the state." She said Mecklenburg County Public Health "partners with community organizations, and medical providers to provide education and access to health services during an individual's reproductive years."

The AFL-CIO has endorsed Rodriguez-McDowell, according to BallotReady.