ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville voters will head to the polls March 3 for the city’s municipal primary election, where two candidates are seeking the mayor’s office in a nonpartisan race that will shape the city’s leadership amid ongoing recovery and growth challenges.

Incumbent Mayor Esther Manheimer is seeking a fourth term after serving as mayor since 2013. Manheimer served on Asheville City Council beginning in 2009 before her election as mayor.

Her reelection campaign has focused on continuing Asheville’s recovery following Tropical Storm Helene, expanding affordable housing and addressing infrastructure demands tied to population growth. Manheimer has also highlighted federal disaster recovery funding secured for the city during her tenure.

In announcing her candidacy, Manheimer said her priorities include housing affordability, climate resiliency and long-term recovery efforts while helping the city navigate economic and policy challenges facing local governments.

Challenging the incumbent is Kim Roney, who has served on Asheville City Council since 2020. Roney, a music teacher and piano technician, ran for mayor in 2022.

Roney’s campaign emphasizes affordable housing, neighborhood and climate resiliency, and increased investment in community-based public safety alternatives. She has also called for greater transparency in city government and collaborative leadership, while raising concerns about rising living costs and the impact of tourism on housing availability and city infrastructure.

Asheville municipal elections are nonpartisan, meaning candidates do not run under party affiliations.

Because two candidates have filed for the race, both are expected to advance beyond the March 3 primary to the general election, scheduled for Nov. 3, when voters will make the final decision on the city’s next mayor.