Is one of these women the next mayor of Durham?

The Durham mayor’s race appears to have two front runners, with City Council member Javiera Caballero and retired judge Elaine O’Neal splitting key endorsements in the crowded field.

The Durham People’s Alliance PAC on Thursday endorsed Caballero, the first Latina member of the City Council. Midway through her first elected term, Caballero first joined the council when it appointed her to fill a vacancy after then-member Steve Schewel became mayor.

In City Council races, the political action committee also endorsed Marion T. Johnson in Ward 1, Council Member Mark-Anthony Middleton in Ward 2 and A.J. Williams in Ward 3, according to a news release.

“These progressive candidates are the most qualified and best prepared to serve the people of Durham, North Carolina, and the nation,” the progressive group wrote.

Caballero last week also received the endorsement of Schewel, who is not seeking a third term,

There are seven candidates for mayor. The others are Rebecca Barnes, Sabrina Davis, Jahnmaud Lane, Charlitta Burrus and Daryl Quick.

DAE endorsements

The Durham Association of Educators also released its endorsements, backing Caballero, Johnson and A.J. Williams.

It made no endorsement in Ward 2, saying neither Middleton nor Robert L. Curtis, Jr. had completed its questionnaire or responded to requests for an interview.

The Oct. 5 primary will narrow the field in each race down to the top two candidates, who will proceed to the Nov, 2 general election.

In Ward 3, A.J. Williams and Leonardo Williams, will automatically proceed to the November election because they are the only candidates in that race. Pierce Freelon, who was appointed to fill a council vacancy, is not running.

Bell, Durham Committee back O’Neal

Former Mayor Bill Bell, Durham’s longest-serving mayor who served for 16 years, has endorsed O’Neal in the mayor’s race.

“Elaine has the proven intellect, leadership qualities and experience to be Durham’s next Mayor,” Bell wrote in a social media post. “Her resume and experience are impeccable and provides the qualities we need in our next Mayor, especially during these critical times of Durham’s development.”

The Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People is also backing O’Neal, who in addition to being a former judge served as interim dean of the N.C. Central School of Law, The News & Observer previously reported.

The Durham Committee also has endorsed incumbent Council Members DeDreana Freeman and Middleton and Leonardo Williams in the Wards 1, 2 and 3 races respectively, The N&O reported.

Every city voter may cast ballots in the mayoral and ward races. Voters must be registered by 5 p.m. Sept. 10 to vote in the primary and by 5 p.m. Oct. 8 to vote in the general election.

This story was originally published September 2, 2021 at 6:26 PM with the headline "Is one of these women the next mayor of Durham?."