Kim Roney Will Run for Asheville Mayor
Asheville City Council member Kim Roney seeks to unseat incumbent Mayor Esther Manheimer in the upcoming municipal election.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in City Hall
Live Poll
Do you prioritize policy alignment over candidate experience when voting in local mayoral elections?
Asheville City Council member Kim Roney has launched a campaign to become the city's next mayor. Roney is challenging incumbent Mayor Esther Manheimer for the position in the election occurring on November 3, 2026.
Why it matters
The mayoral race will determine the future leadership and policy direction of Asheville as candidates debate the city's approach to public safety and infrastructure priorities. Voters will decide which vision for the city's governance best addresses current community needs.
Council member Roney currently serves on three key committees, including Policy, Finance & Human Resources. She also brings a record of support for $3 million in home repair funding to the mayoral race.
The players
Kim Roney
She is a member of the Asheville City Council who is running for mayor and has been endorsed by the WNC Labor Council.
Esther Manheimer
She is the incumbent mayor of Asheville currently seeking re-election.
The details
Roney is campaigning on a platform that includes collaborating with the city manager and adjusting council agendas to shift local public safety priorities. Her proposed changes include a plan to reinstate the Citizen Police Advisory Committee and continue her work on the Continuum of Care board.
Timeline
Kim Roney was first elected to the Asheville City Council in 2020.
The mayoral election will take place on November 3, 2026.
This report was published on October 12, 2026.
Political Context
The mayoral race highlights significant debate over the management of Asheville's existing REST program for public safety. Opposition members and incumbents often argue that maintaining current administrative structures provides more stability than the structural changes proposed by challengers.
The outcome of this election will directly influence city-wide policies, including the potential reinstatement of the Citizen Police Advisory Committee and future allocations for housing repair funds. Residents can expect the election to set the regulatory tone for city services through 2026 and beyond.
The takeaway
Voters should review the specific policy differences between Roney and Manheimer to understand how each candidate plans to handle public safety and housing initiatives. Understanding these platforms helps residents participate in the upcoming local election effectively.
Further reading
For more information on municipal leadership, visit City Hall.
More information
To review the campaign platform, visit the candidate campaign website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WLOS.
Live Poll
Do you prioritize policy alignment over candidate experience when voting in local mayoral elections?
