2007 Charlotte mayoral election

The biennial Charlotte mayoral election was held on November 6, 2007. Mayor Pat McCrory, a Republican, was re-elected to a seventh term.

Hot button issues

 * Light rail: was a source of controversy.
 * Potential fallout over Charlotte Bobcats Arena: Arena bonds were voted down in 2002 but were later pushed through without voters' permission. This may have cost Republican city councilwoman Lynn Wheeler, a close McCrory ally, her job.
 * Growth: Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. Around 32 people move to Charlotte every day and the city has found it hard to keep up in areas such as education.
 * Drunk driving: Charlotte saw a rash of drunk driving incidents, many resulting in deaths, in 2006, leading many to wonder if tougher punishments should be meted out.

Democrats

 * Beverly Earle: Seven-term North Carolina State Representative.
 * Andy Silver: hypnotherapist dropped out of the race after learning that Earle would run

Republicans

 * Pat McCrory: Six-term incumbent
 * Ken Gjertsen: Member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education, Transit tax opponent

Democratic
Beverly Earle was unopposed and did not face a primary.