Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, 73, said Thursday she will resign effective June 30, a surprise move less than six months after the five-term Democrat won reelection to lead the nation’s 14th-largest city.
"Serving as Charlotte’s mayor has been the honor of my life," Lyles, 73, said in a statement Thursday. "I am proud of our record navigating various challenges, strengthening our economy, investing in our neighborhoods, and building a foundation for Charlotte’s continued success during a time of rapid growth."
"As in all things politics, I am sure there will be speculation as to why I am making this decision now," the statement continued. "Simply put, I am going to spend time with my grandchildren. Like many of us, I have missed some moments with them and intend to not miss anymore."
Lyles easily won reelection in 2025 after facing questions over whether she would run again, and there were growing questions about her recent visibility and active leadership of the city.
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The Charlotte Ledger reported that Lyles had been missing more City Council meetings than usual after years of regularly presiding over them. She also had not attended most monthly zoning meetings for several months — possibly longer.
WFAE reported that some in the community, private sector and city government had raised concerns about Lyles’ health and whether she could continue carrying out the responsibilities of the office. The outlet reported that Lyles had appeared confused at times during procedural discussions, including at one recent council meeting when she had to be reminded that she needed to cast a tiebreaking vote.
Asked Monday at the Government Center by a WFAE reporter whether she intended to complete her term, Lyles declined to answer directly.
"We will see," she said, just days before her resignation.
The station reported that Lyles was then escorted away from the reporter by an assistant and later by a Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer.
Her resignation will leave the Charlotte City Council to decide who completes the remainder of her term. Critics on social media are decrying the early resignation after reelection, saying giving the council the power to pick the mayor now undermines the democratic voting process and hands power to few.
"I am very proud of my record as mayor, but I also firmly believe that true leadership includes knowing when it is time to let the next generation of leaders take over," Lyles statement added. "By leaving early, the voters will have more time to learn about their candidates. Our city is strong, our trajectory is positive, and now is the right moment for someone else to build on our progress from the past few years."
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Lyles has served as Charlotte’s mayor since 2017 after previously serving on the City Council.
Original article source: Longtime Dem Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles to resign months into new term
