Mecklenburg County Commissioner Yvette Townsend-Ingram is seeking a second at-large term on the Nov. 3, 2026, general election ballot. Three at-large seats are open, according to BallotReady election data.

Asked why she is running, Townsend-Ingram said in our candidate questionnaire: "I have lived experiences that give me a unique perspective and expertise in business development and social enrichment that I know I can use to help my community. I want to be a voice for the people of Mecklenburg County that will positively impact their lives. I want to help all Mecklenburg County residents to achieve upward mobility, in a safe environment."

Candidate information

Name: "First, my name is Yvette Townsend-Ingram. Benita is my middle name," the candidate said in our questionnaire.

Party: Democratic

Office sought: Mecklenburg County Commission, at large

Other candidates: Arthur Griffin Jr. (Democratic) and Leigh Altman (Democratic), according to BallotReady election data.

Education: "Doctor of Business Administration(ABD): Leadership … Master of Business Administration:Business Management Strayer University … Bachelor of Science: BusinessAdministration West Virginia State University," Townsend-Ingram said in our questionnaire.

Family: "I am a divorced mother of two adult sons," she said in our questionnaire.

Endorsement: Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, according to BallotReady profile data.

Experience and public service

Townsend-Ingram described her work history in our questionnaire: "I currently work as a small business consultant and advisor. I have an extensive history in operations management, both in nonprofit and for profit settings. I have compliance management expertise, grant-writing and management, budget creation and analysis, data analysis and personnel management. I have a diverse work and occupational history that has provided me with many different perspectives."

BallotReady profile data lists prior roles including finance administrative budget officer for the city of Charlotte from 2011 to 2014 and director of foundation relations at Johnson C. Smith University from 2022 to 2024.

Asked about accomplishments that qualify her for the job, she said in our questionnaire: "I have lived and worked in this community for almost 30 years, experiencing many of the challenges I was elected to change." She listed civic engagement including "Graduate of the Charlotte Civic Leadership Academy, 2021," service as a "Former Community Relations Committee Member (Appointed by BOCC 2020-2022)" and role as a "2024 Democratic National Convention Delegate."

Asked about previous elected office, she said: "This my second term of my first elected office."

On the issues

Budget priorities: Asked what she would look at first when reviewing Mecklenburg County's budget, Townsend-Ingram said in our questionnaire: "The prior year's budget to see if we met budgeting goals and how effectively we supplied resources to our six priorities."

Pressing challenges: Asked what issue the commission is not addressing well, she said: "I believe the two most important challenges the county commission will continue to address during the next two years is how to pay for services to residents with a funding gap from the state that exceeds $400 million annually. Additionally, we have to address housing insecurity and food insecurity."

Healthcare: Townsend-Ingram said on her campaign website: "Mental healthcare for all, but especially youth, is a crucial priority for me. Mecklenburg County has services available that many in need are not aware of or do not have access to."

What sets her apart: Asked about critical differences between herself and other candidates, she said in our questionnaire: "I don't know of many elected officials that have the experience of standing in line at Crisis Assistance Ministry; asking for help to pay a mortgage, or waiting for weeks to get a check from the broken unemployment system. There is a reason why I am so passionate about so many issues. It's because I am humbled and blessed to have lived through it."

The general election is Nov. 3, 2026. Voters will choose up to three at-large commissioners.