This year’s city of Wilmington nonpartisan races involve multiple candidates campaigning on topics ranging from growth and green space to police department issues.
Seven candidates are vying for three open seats on the Wilmington City Council, while three candidates are running in the mayoral race. The municipal election will take place Nov. 4, with early voting starting Oct. 16.
The candidates competing for city council seats include incumbents Clifford Barnett, the council’s current mayor pro tem, and council member Luke Waddell. Others are Cassidy Santaguida, who ran for a spot on the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners last year, and political newcomers Chakema Clinton-Quintana, Richard Collier, JC Lyle and Kelly Roberts Jr.
The candidates participated in a Greater Wilmington Business Journal Power Breakfast on Sept. 12, and the discussion can be viewed online on the Business Journal’s
YouTube Channel.
Election Dates
2025 municipal voting dates for New Hanover County Voter registration deadline: Friday, Oct. 10
Early voting begins: Thursday, Oct. 16
Absentee ballot request deadline: Tuesday, Oct. 21
Early voting ends: Saturday, Nov. 1
2025 Municipal Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 4
County canvass of election results: Friday, Nov. 14
Early Voting Locations and Times
Northeast Library David M. Paynter Room, 1241 Military Cutoff Road
- 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 16-17
- 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 20-24
- Noon-5 p.m. Oct. 25-26
- 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 27-31
- 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 1
Locations with the same open times:
Carolina Beach Town Hall, 1121 N. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach, Cape Fear Community College, McLeod Building-Classroom, 411 N. Front St., NHC Senior Resource Center Multipurpose room, 2222 S. College Road
- Noon-5 p.m. Oct. 25-26
- 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 27-31
- 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 1
Source: New Hanover County Board of Elections
Jonathan Barfield Jr.
Occupation: Broker/owner, Barfield & Associates Realty
Political experience: “I served 16 years on the New Hanover County Commission, where I held the positions of chair for four years and vice chair for three years.”
Political affiliation: Democrat
GWBJ: If elected, what changes would you like to see in Wilmington during your term?
Barfield: “A greater focus on housing affordability with increased direct investment to help lower the barrier for many to live in the community that they work or attend school in. More regional conversations around growth and development. It is going to take a regional approach to solve the housing affordability challenge that we have. Working with neighboring counties in efforts to lessen the development load in the city of Wilmington will be paramount to managing traffic and other infrastructure concerns in Wilmington proper. In relation to public safety, increased focus on neighborhood policing and relationship building with local law enforcement to help build stronger, safer communities; every neighborhood, regardless of zip code, should feel safe and secure.”
GWBJ: What is your approach to growth and development in Wilmington?
Barfield: “With Brunswick County being touted as the fastest-growing county in the state and the development we see taking place in Pender and even Columbus County, I believe working regionally with surrounding counties to lessen the development impact in the city of Wilmington and New Hanover County will help lessen the impact on the built infrastructure here and allow for needed infrastructure to catch up with demand. Recognizing that Wilmington is almost built out also weighs in on this thought process. Over the past several years, allowing more density has been the preferred method of land development, considering the cost of land development, which includes all costs associated with building a community to include water, sewer and roads, is increasing at a rapid pace. This is evidenced by the sheer cost of housing. Ensuring that our road system and other infrastructure can handle this demand is critical to orderly growth.”
GWBJ: If elected, which industry would you like to see grow in your next term?
Barfield: “I would love to see our film industry return to what it was in the height of film and movie production. We were the hub for film and movie development, with our state offering the right incentive mix that allowed the industry to more than thrive in southeastern NC. This industry has a dramatic multiplier effect on so many other businesses in our community, and we all benefit.”
GWBJ: What do you think the Wilmington City Council and mayor can do about the need for a Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement?
Barfield: "I believe that it is the State of North Carolina’s responsibility to solve this problem. It is a state facility that has always been manage and maintained by the state. To now want to toll an existing road with a minimum $2.00 toll each way would be unprecedented and an enormous burden on working families and our senior citizens. By shifting a new bridge south we will see many homes in the City of Wilmington destroyed which will further add to our affordable housing crisis. The City of Wilmington needs to advocate for the State of North Carolina to do its job and acknowledge the state taxes paid by our residents over the years should be enough for them to take care of their facility in the city driving economic development in southeastern North Carolina."
GWBJ: Would you put an emphasis on affordable housing in the city? How would you approach the issue?
Barfield: "I have been a part of the housing affordability space since the early 2000’s when I Chaired the then Affordable Housing Coalition that has a new name now. I was out from when as a county commissioner the county committed to invest $15 million dollars over a 5-year period in housing affordability efforts. The first dividend that I saw directly was the opening of Estrella Landing apartments, where the developer used low-income tax credits as a way to offset some of the cost. With those credits some units must be leased at 30, 60 and 80% AMI. There is one senior citizen that I know that has a new one-bedroom apartment for $335.00 per month based on 30% AMI. A rent that low in decent and safe housing is almost unheard of. I believe that it is going to take more direct investment like that to help lessen the housing burden that so many feel in our community."
GWBJ: What do you bring to the role that the other candidates do not?
Barfield: "Serving as a New Hanover County Commissioner and representing all citizens in our county I have been a part of the big picture for 16 years. Serving at the most powerful governing body at the local level for 16 years has given me a global view of the needs of our community. Providing services such as 911, emergency operations center, health and human services, mental health and substance use disorder services for our community has been an awesome honor and tremendous responsibility. I was one of three people from our county who served on Governor Steins Transition team, as a Navy Veteran I Co-Chaired the team that interviewed candidates for Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Military Affairs. I mention that to say that with the relationships that I have at the State level working with Governor Stein’s team and my having served on the New Hanover County Commission for 16 years, give me the ability to leverage those relationships when needed to connect the City of Wilmington with needed resources or relationships to advance the cities needs and priorities. I also have key relationships with the elected officials both in our county and the surrounding counties to help foster regional collaborations on key issues."
Billy Craig
Occupation: Retired from the Wilmington Police Department. “Currently, I teach Basic Law Enforcement Training at Cape Fear and Brunswick community colleges, I have my private investigator’s license, and I do have my real estate license.”
Political experience: Voting
Political affiliation: Republican
GWBJ: If elected, what changes would you like to see in Wilmington during your term?
Craig: “I want our police department to return to minimum staffing - because it is dangerously below minimum now. I want the city to focus on the well-being of all employees. I wish to have our budget and spending examined thoroughly to address waste, abuse and fraud of tax dollars being spent. With our property taxes going up approximately 30% in the past 10 years, I want the citizens to see and understand where their money is going.”
GWBJ: What is your approach to growth and development in Wilmington?
Craig: “I wish to re-evaluate our zoning ordinances to address high-density growth, maintain our tree canopy and support our antiquated infrastructure. As the tree lines disappear, this is creating an environmental impact, especially when it comes to storms with heavy rain. Trees draw water up. Cutting them and replacing natural water mitigation with retention ponds is not good for the habitat.”
GWBJ: Would you put an emphasis on affordable housing in the city? How would you approach the issue?
Craig: “Encouraging builders/developers with incentives; this means making a firm stance in providing some affordable options for not only single people also those with families as well. Example: Is there an option of hiring folks on job sites and then rewarding them with housing at another like property?”
GWBJ: What do you think the Wilmington City Council and mayor can do about the need for a Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement?
Craig: "Tapping into every federal and state funding/grants we can identify. The current CFMB was obsolete a long time ago. The NC State Ports and businesses north of the CFMB have lost out due to height restrictions. Locally, I will work to address funding from the city. The surrounding government entities must contribute as well due to a lot of our traffic comes across the bridge from other jurisdictions. The new bridge does not need to be some monolithic monstrosity. I am not in favor of a toll bridge. Ultimately, the DOT has final say; using the position of the office, council and working with county commissioners to find a solution with minimal cost to taxpayers."
GWBJ: If elected, which industry would you like to see grow in your next term?
Craig: “I believe the film industry can assist in making monetary contributions to the city while maintaining our landscape. Supporting our locally owned businesses and encouraging their economic growth with access to opportunities. I want to provide incentives for small businesses to be more involved with city operations so they can thrive and reinvest in the city.”
GWBJ: What do you bring to the role that the other candidates do not?
Craig: "Leadership on all fronts. I was born and raised in Wilmington; I worked for the city for 30 years and lived in the city limits during this time. I can provide insights from an employee’s perspective as it pertains to benefits, pay, true transparency and the need for protection from administrators who prefer retaliation over taking responsibility. I have a strong working knowledge of public safety and I know what it takes to solve complex issues. The struggles of the citizens are my struggles as well."
Bill Saffo (Incumbent)
Occupation: Real estate broker
Political experience: Wilmington City Council since 2003, mayor of Wilmington since 2007
Political affiliation: Democrat
GWBJ: If elected, what changes would you like to see in Wilmington during your term?
Saffo: “Wilmington is a major city in one of America’s fastest-growing regions. While much of the population growth that is occurring is beyond the corporate limits of Wilmington, there is still an incredible strain on our city’s infrastructure. Addressing the challenges of increased use of roads and a lack of affordable housing and ensuring the resilience of our tree canopy and open spaces for public enjoyment, are all pressing issues that I will continue to address. At the same time, we must also invest in top-notch public safety and strive to ensure we have a competitive workforce to support a strong local economy to ensure our future prosperity.”
GWBJ: What is your approach to growth and development in Wilmington?
Saffo: “The city of Wilmington has experienced a growth rate of 1.2% a year for the last 10 years, while the wider region is one of the fastest growing in the country. We feel those growing pains inside the city, along with affordable housing challenges. Those drivers led the city to pioneer programs to help seniors and low-income residents stay in their homes and also to enable first-time homebuyers to build futures in our city. We must accompany that with investments to ensure our quality of life and economic resilience amidst this region’s growth.”
GWBJ: What do you think the Wilmington City Council and mayor can do about the need for a Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement?
Saffo: "The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge is a vital piece of transportation infrastructure for our city. As a state-owned bridge on a state-owned highway, l have long maintained the state has a responsibility to fund its replacement and oppose the use of tolls as unfair to this community. While we have worked to secure large commitments of state and federal funding, a tolled bridge is now part of the state's transportation plan. We must remain at the table to advocate for the best possible outcome for our community and ensure the realization of the positive impacts of replacing and improving this critical infrastructure."
GWBJ: If elected, which industry would you like to see grow in your next term?
Saffo: “Economic development and expanding job opportunities for our residents are about more than just attracting new businesses or industries. Our community has experienced great success by creating a climate for entrepreneurs and local businesses to succeed and grow. We have also diversified our economy by actively attracting major employers in multiple industries. These efforts have improved our economic resilience and continue to raise the median wage. By creating a diversity of jobs, while also investing in education and job training, we are developing our local workforce and ensuring that current residents and students can take advantage of the growing prosperity in our midst.”
GWBJ: Would you put an emphasis on affordable housing in the city? How would you approach the issue?
Saffo: "Yes, and we already have. To date, the city has set aside $11 million for affordable housing units in this year‘s budget. This year, the city has also earmarked $2.5 million from the city's tax rate for affordable housing units. With the city’s efforts, we have invested over $20 million in the last five years into affordable housing incentives; partnering with nonprofits, tax accredited builders, the housing authority and local homebuilders. I have always supported the city's affordable housing programs and will continue to do so. Affordable housing is critical to our great city."
GWBJ: What do you bring to the role that the other candidates do not?
Saffo: "Over the past two decades, I’ve been honored to forge consensus around the vision and investments that made Wilmington one of America's most desired places to live. That success brought new challenges that we must tackle to provide for our future quality of life. We must improve our roads and infrastructure to handle the needs of a growing population, keep public safety at the top of our priority list, enact smart policies that create affordable housing options, encourage broad-based economic opportunity and high-quality jobs growth, protect our natural resources, and give our residents a city government that is forward-thinking, responsible, and responsive. I first ran for city office because I wanted Wilmington to reach its full potential as a great place to live, raise a family, and build a successful career. Together, we transformed our downtown into a thriving hub with offices, shops, restaurants, and residences. We enjoy a top-rated riverwalk, convention center, and signature park and music venue, which also support our local businesses and economy. We're upgrading our infrastructure and storm resilience and are creating job opportunities at a historic rate. Wilmington is my hometown. I love this community. Fighting for its prosperity is my passion and my life's work."
