At least 22 Latino candidates have filed to run for local, state, and federal offices in the North Carolina elections on November 3, 2026.
Within this group of candidates is Susan Rodriguez-McDowell, the Democratic candidate seeking reelection for the Distrito 6 of the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners. Rodriguez-McDowell was first elected to this position in 2018 and is currently in her fourth term.
As part of the electoral civic education initiative Your Vote is Power, de Enlace Latino NC for elections of November 3, 2026We present a series of profiles of Latino candidates aspiring to different local, state, and county positions in North Carolina.
The goal is to provide our readers with information about who they are, why they decided to run, what their priorities are, and what they propose for the communities they seek to represent.
Political affiliation: Democrat
Campaign website: mcdowell4meck.com
Can you briefly tell us about yourself, your background, and your experience?
I am running for my fifth consecutive two-year term, and for the first time, I am running unopposed. County Commissioner is my first elected office. I have been married for 31 years and am the mother of three adult children. My professional experience includes working as an operations manager for a national distributor of graphic arts supplies and leading two small businesses.
I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a Master of Counseling degree.
Why did you decide to apply for this position, and what are the main experiences or qualities that you believe prepare you to perform in this role?
The 2016 elections deeply affected me and occurred at a time in my life when I felt I could dedicate myself to community service. I began participating in grassroots political organizing and was asked to run for public office.
My experience as an operations manager prepared me to understand budgeting, and my master's degree in counseling taught me how to listen to people. My passion for people aligns perfectly with the mission of the County Board of Commissioners, which is primarily a social services agency.
What do you consider to be the three main problems or challenges you will have to address in this position and why?
The next few years will be very difficult from a county government budget perspective. The extremely harmful policies of the current state and federal governments will become increasingly apparent and will have devastating effects on the underserved people in our community.
Housing instability and food insecurity will continue to rise. Mental health issues will remain a challenge for our youth, as well as for vulnerable adults.
Environmental concerns will also increase as regulations weaken and sustainable technology is given less importance.
If elected, what do you hope to achieve during your term and how would you evaluate whether your administration was successful?
My time serving on the County Board of Commissioners has been marked by many accomplishments of which I am extremely proud, including: fully funding the Board of Education's budget request for the past three years; establishing an Environmental Leadership Action Plan that includes the purchase of hundreds of acres of land for preservation and recreation; hundreds of affordable housing units for people with the lowest income levels; attracting thousands of jobs and supporting hundreds of small business owners to achieve their goals; establishing a behavioral health strategic plan to connect those in need with mental health resources; supporting entrepreneurship in the arts and culture sector; and much more.
Related: Susan Rodriguez-McDowell: Candidate for Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners, District 6
The Latino population continues to grow in North Carolina. Given the specific responsibilities of the position you are seeking, how do you plan to address the needs and concerns of Latino communities, including those facing language barriers or difficulties accessing public institutions?
It has been a tremendous honor for me to be one of the few Latina elected officials in the state of North Carolina. I am proud to say that our Board of Commissioners meetings now have live Spanish interpretation, but interpretation is not the same as access.
I will continue to look for ways to expand access, supporting people who speak Spanish and are culturally connected to the community, to fill positions throughout Mecklenburg County government, especially in areas of direct public service, such as Public Health and Social Services.
I will continue to be accessible and attend Latino community events to listen to and advocate for their needs.
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