Former New Hanover County commissioner Jonathan Barfield Jr to run for mayor of Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Former New Hanover County Commissioner Jonathan Barfield Jr is throwing his hat in the ring to run for mayor of Wilmington in November.

Barfield, who was born and raised in Wilmington, was first elected to serve as a New Hanover County Commissioner in 2008.

He served 4 terms, which ended in 2024.

During his time as Commissioner, Barfield worked with different organizations throughout the county.

He said his time as a County Commissioner has prepared him with a skill set different from other candidates.

“We partnered with them in so many ways, whether it be workforce housing, housing affordability, workforce development, the homeless situation in our community,” Barfield said. “There’s so many topics we touched on and had joint meetings with that I fully realize and understand the needs of our city in a greater capacity. I look forward to taking the skills that I’ve learned from the county level and bring them to the city’s level.”

The city’s municipal elections will be held on November 4th.