Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles has announced her resignation as mayor just months after her reelection to a fifth term.
Lyles, 73, said Thursday her resignation will be effective June 30.
“Serving as Charlotte’s mayor has been the honor of my life,” Lyles said in a statement to The Charlotte Observer. “I am proud of our record navigating various challenges, strengthening our economy, investing in our neighborhoods, and building a foundation for Charlotte’s continued success during a time of rapid growth.”
“As in all things politics, I am sure there will be speculation as to why I am making this decision now,” she said. “Simply put, I am going to spend time with my grandchildren. Like many of us, I have missed some moments with them and intend to not miss anymore.”
The news release did not specify her decision for leaving office.
Lyles just won reelection in 2025 after facing questions over whether she would run again.
Questions were mounting about her recent visibility and active leadership of the city.
The Charlotte Ledger reported Lyles missed more City Council meetings than usual.
A reporter from WFAE asked Lyles Monday if she planned to finish her term.
“We will see,” she answered before being escorted away by an assistant and then by a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officer.
The outlet reported that Lyles appeared confused at times during procedural discussions, including at one recent council meeting when she had to be reminded that she needed to cast a tiebreaking vote.
Charlotte City Council will decide who completes the remainder of her term.
Lyles has served as Charlotte’s mayor since 2017 after previously serving on the City Council.
Lyles said she will not make an “immediate endorsement” for any successor.
“I am very proud of my record as mayor, but I also firmly believe that true leadership includes knowing when it is time to let the next generation of leaders take over,” she said in Thursday’s statement. “By leaving early, the voters will have more time to learn about their candidates. Our city is strong, our trajectory is positive, and now is the right moment for someone else to build on our progress from the past few years.”
She is Charlotte’s first Black female mayor.
