From left; Woody Washam, Denis Bilodeau and Kenny Campbell

August 12. Cornelius is expected to have a competitive mayoral race this election cycle with three candidates registering to run this fall.

Incumbent Woody Washam will run for his fifth consecutive term which, if he wins, would mark the longest stretch since Harold Little held office from 1985 to 1993.

Washam, who announced his candidacy back in January, replaced former mayor Chuck Travis eight years ago over fallout from the I-77 toll lane construction.

“I am running again because I am determined to get many more needs for our town across the finish line,” Washam said. “Having consistency and stability of the town’s mayor and commissioners is an important factor in ensuring these projects are completed successfully.”

Washam is joined in the race by second-time challenger Denis Bilodeau, a former three-term commissioner and former mayor pro tem. He ran a close race two years ago, losing to Washam by only five votes in a recount.

Bilodeau was the first challenger to publicly announce he was entering the race at the Cornelius Today NewsmakerWs Breakfast in June.

“I have proven leadership and experience and I’m running again because it’s time for real change,” Bilodeau said. “I’ve built a strong volunteer team and will be hosting a larger number of in-person listening sessions to tackle Cornelius’ top issues like traffic congestion and inadequate infrastructure.”

Kenny Campbell of Paradise Cove Ct. entered the race just before the filing deadline of July 18.

Campbell is launching his first bid for public office. He was a pastor for nine years before owning and operating a Christian publishing company with his wife Elle.

Campbell said after talking with friends and business owners he consistently heard their frustration with traffic and over-development.

“As mayor, my priority would be preserving the historic charm of our town while taking immediate action to improve everyday life for all residents,” Campbell said. “I hope to bring a listening ear, innovative ideas, and a fresh perspective to an already amazing place to live.”

• Each candidate and their positions on major issues like road construction and real estate development and will be covered in a future print edition of Cornelius Today.

Voting day: Tuesday, November 4

Early voting: Cornelius town hall hosts one of the early voting poll sites in Mecklenburg County. Voting begins October 16 and ends November 1.