The appointee will serve through November.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. โ Charlotte City Council is expected to name a new representative for District 6 during Monday night’s meeting, ending a weeks-long selection process triggered by the departure of Tariq Bokhari.ย
Bokhari stepped down from the role more than a month ago after being appointed deputy administrator of the Federal Transit Administration by the Trump administration.
Applications for the interim seat opened in late April and closed on May 13. To qualify, candidates had to live in District 6 and be registered Republicans. The appointment will last through the November election.
Twelve people initially applied for the seat, including:
- Krista Bokhari (Tariq Bokhariโs wife)
- Andrew Dunn
- Sary Chakra
- Andy Dulin
- David Jewell
- Christopher McBride
- Douglas Paris
- Edwin Peacock III
- La Reshia Poore
- James Rice
- Grayson Sandlin (Ineligible)
- Asherdee Welby (Ineligible)
However, not all candidates made the final cut.ย
City staff ruled Sandlin and Welby ineligible โ Sandlin due to residency outside District 6 and Welby due to unaffiliated voter registration status. Pooreโs eligibility was briefly questioned, but city officials later confirmed she is a registered Republican and remains in the running.
Krista Bokhari, a former state House candidate, has made headlines in recent weeks for calling for the resignation of CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings. She also questioned the city attorneyโs handling of a reported settlement related to text messages between her husband and the chief.
Andrew Dunn, a political columnist and editor of the Longleaf Politics newsletter, is another prominent candidate. He discussed his interest in the role during a recent appearance on WCNC+.
Other contenders include Sary Chakra, a local activist focused on fiscal responsibility and affordability, and Edwin Peacock III, a former at-large city council member.
A public forum was held last week, giving candidates a chance to share their priorities with council members and residents. Themes ranged from continuing Bokhariโs emphasis on public safety to guiding Charlotteโs rapid growth.
Some applicants have said they do not intend to run for the seat in November, while others are preparing to launch campaigns.
The selected candidate will be informally sworn in Tuesday, May 20, with a formal ceremony scheduled for June 2. That council meeting will mark their first official appearance in the role.
Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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