Now that Leonardo Williams has been sworn in as the new mayor of Durham, his Ward 3 City Council seat is open and must be filled by someone to complete the term that’s up in 2025.

The current council members on Jan. 4 will identify finalists during the regularly scheduled work session. Finalists will be interviewed by the council on Jan. 8. The council will hear public comment during a special meeting on Jan. 10. Final selection will take place on Jan. 16 during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting. Oath of office would be taken during the week of Jan. 22.

The Jan. 8 and 10 special meetings will be broadcast via livestream on the city’s website, on the free Boxcast app for Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV, and on the Durham Television Network (Frontier channel 70 and AT&T U-verse channel 99).

The candidates that have applied include:

Amanda Borer

Profession: Administrative director for neurosciences at Duke University Health System. Spouse of another candidate, Alexander Williams.

“Durham is not just a city to me; it’s my home, a place where community matters. Growing up in a small, close-knit community shaped my values, emphasizing the importance of taking care of one another. This ethos has guided my career for over 15 years in nonprofit administration and healthcare, focusing on the well-being of our most vulnerable populations.”

Chelsea Cook

Profession: Attorney with Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Durham Eviction Diversion Program.

“I have had the privilege to form relationships with Durhamites who are experiencing housing crises and have become intimately familiar with not only their economic hardships but also their joys and dreams for the future.”

Carolyn Daye

Profession: Retiree with project management experience working for companies such as IBM, Lenovo, and other Research Triangle Park operations.

“I am so proud to see Durham’s growth and would like to help continue this growth while encouraging equality for all Durham citizens.”

Jonathan Espitia

Profession: Community Safety EMT for the City of Durham.

He grew up in Long Island, graduated from Yale with a B.A. in economics, and moved to Durham nearly a decade ago.

“From AmeriCorps to firefighter to HEART EMT, I’m dedicated to serving Durham residents.”

Sergio Henderson

Profession: Henderson indicated on his application that his place of business is “education studies” and that he has a high school diploma. No other work experience information is listed.

“Based on my qualifications and experiences, I feel like I have what it takes. Ready to take on the big task of every day that the job requires.”

Shelia Huggins

Profession: Attorney in Durham who previously served as senior administration manager for the City of Durham’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development. She’s got about nine years of direct municipal government experience.

“I understand the commitment required of a public servant, and through my work at the local, state, and national levels, I have supported candidates and organizations that I believe share that same commitment. I have worked to build relationships across geographic boundaries, among various organizations, and with people of diverse backgrounds, because I truly believe that we are stronger together.”

Larry Ernest Lawton

Profession: Self-employed life coach

“Because of my unconditional love for all people, five years ago with God’s help I went full-time working for myself while also being able to be a beacon of light, no matter what location I may be in within the city.”

Aaron Louv

Profession: Head chef at NanaSteak. Moved with his family to Durham when he was 10, used to eat at Fishmonger’s restaurant “and that was considered a slightly dangerous venture.”

“So, it is incredible to see what can become of public/private ventures that have led to the growth and development of downtown Durham.”

However, he has grown concerned with the rising cost of rent for business and housing, and expects to make affordable housing and equitable access to opportunity his focus if selected for the council.

Scot MacIver

Profession: Civil engineer with Stewart Inc. Born and raised in Durham. Also served on the planning commission.

“I have not been the most vocal commissioner, but I have taken the role seriously and understand the direction we provide plays a vital role in the changes the city will make over the coming decades, and I want to play a part in that continued growth.”

Aalayah Sanders

Profession: Communications manager for the Durham Housing Authority.

“I wholeheartedly believe that as much as sitting on this council is a direct way to be a catalyst to change, I also know I will learn and be changed from serving my community. I have intentionally immersed myself professionally in spaces that align with my genuine desire to advocate and work alongside our community and council to solve pertinent issues that affect the most vulnerable/disadvantaged populations in our city.”

Chastan Swain

Profession: Law and policy advisor for the State of North Carolina.

“While I believe Durham is one of the best cities in the nation, there are continued challenges with public transit and affordable housing availability and access, responsible growth and development as Durham continues to attract innovative industries and their workforce, and education equity and workforce development. I would hope to assist with all of these challenges as a member of the council, and continue to respond to the emerging needs of the community as they arise.”

Zoe Tishaev

Profession: Duke University student.

“Although the 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students at Duke are huge drivers of the local economy, most students are uneducated on the culture, history, and importance of the Duke-Durham relationship. As a result, Duke’s vision seems to all but ignore Durham. We’ve seen this tense relationship echo at Duke politically as well as physically – from the pulling of support of the light-rail project and the Bull City Connector bus to the literal 3-foot wall between Duke’s East Campus and Broad Street. I believe I can leverage my position as a soon-to-be graduate with existing ties in Duke’s administration to negotiate a stronger and more effective partnership between the two. Duke is nothing without the city of Durham, and it’s time that Duke utilizes its resources to uplift the community in a meaningful and visible way.”

Tishaev also advocates for better cyclist infrastructure – doesn’t own a car, promotes public transit and walkable routes.

Jacqueline Wagstaff

Profession: Retiree who previously served on the Durham Public Schools Board of Education. She has lived in Durham since 1981. In 2019, she ran unsuccessfully for City Council on a platform that focused on expanding affordable housing while reducing homelessness and gang violence.

“My 40+ years of community service puts me in a unique position to serve and help.”

Alexander Williams

Profession: Works in HR/talent acquisition at ECU Health Medical Center. Spouse of another candidate, Amanda Borer.

“I have over a decade of experience facilitating organizational growth and development. I currently facilitate the development of my employer’s applicant pipeline, working with applicants to consider healthcare roles in rural communities.”

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