Chris Wiener (Mayor of Brevard, North Carolina, candidate 2025)

If you are a candidate or an organization that endorses candidates, visit the Ballotpedia Endorsement Portal, which provides a straightforward interface where candidates and organizations can connect, determine endorsements, and have them published on Ballotpedia.

Chris Wiener

Nonpartisan

Candidate, Mayor of Brevard

Elections and appointments

Next election

November 4, 2025

Education

Associate

Brevard College, 1989

Bachelor's

University of North Carolina, 1992

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Army National Guard

Years of service

1987 - 1994

Personal

Religion

Christian

Profession

Construction

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Personal LinkedIn

Chris Wiener is running for election for Mayor of Brevard in North Carolina. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.^[source]

Wiener completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Chris Wiener provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on July 31, 2025:

• Birth date: February 10, 1970
• Birth place: RAF Lakenheath, Armed Forces Africa/Canada/Europe/Middle East
• High school: Montgomery Academy (9th), Sidney Lanier High School (10th & 11th) and Brevard High School (12th)
• Associate: Brevard College, 1989
• Bachelor's: University of North Carolina, 1992
• Military service: United States Army National Guard, 1987-1994
• Gender: Male
• Religion: Christian
• Profession: Construction
• Prior offices held:
  • School Board Member (2022)
• Incumbent officeholder: No
• Campaign slogan: Restorationist Vision for Local Government
• Campaign website
• Campaign Facebook
• Campaign Twitter

Elections

General election

The general election will occur on November 4, 2025.

General election for Mayor of Brevard

Maureen Copelof and Chris Wiener are running in the general election for Mayor of Brevard on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Maureen Copelof (Nonpartisan)
		Chris Wiener (Nonpartisan)

---

	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Endorsements

Wiener received the following endorsements. To send us additional endorsements, click here.

• North Carolina Police Benevolent Association

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Chris Wiener completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Wiener's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Chris Wiener.

I’m a Christian, a Constitutional Conservative, and a Veteran who still believes that America’s best days are ahead. But to move forward, we must return to the foundational principles that made this nation strong—faith, personal responsibility, and limited government.

My Mission: Faith, Freedom, and Prosperity

As a conservative leader, I’m committed to restoring local government to its rightful role: serving the people with integrity, fiscal discipline, and a steadfast commitment to biblical values.

I believe in empowering individuals through self-sufficiency, expanding economic opportunity, and defending the God-given rights that make our country exceptional. Together, we can build communities where families feel safe, businesses can grow, and liberty thrives.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Public Safety - I believe in strong, accountable law enforcement that protects our communities and upholds the rule of law.

  Fully staff and equip our police departments or pursue a county-wide law enforcement model that ensures efficiency and accountability.

  Prioritize law enforcement training and community engagement to keep our neighborhoods safe.

  Ensure that crime prevention and public safety are top priorities in local government.
• Fiscal Responsibility - I will prioritize smart, responsible investments in infrastructure, ensuring our roads, bridges, and public spaces are maintained efficiently and without wasteful spending. Cut unnecessary government waste and focus on core infrastructure projects that benefit all residents. Promote private-sector partnerships to fund key improvements without burdening taxpayers. Ensure public spaces are designed to foster strong businesses, community engagement, and family-friendly environments.
• Citizens' Needs - I reject progressive ideologies that distract from real issues and divide our communities. Focus on fixing roads, ensuring public safety, and keeping taxes low. Eliminate sanctuary city policies that compromise law and order. Ensure that hiring and promotion in local government are based solely on merit and qualifications. I believe in a lean, efficient government that serves the people, not itself. Implement a surplus investment fund to drive economic growth without raising taxes. A strong economy is built on the success of small businesses and hardworking families. Invest in parking solutions and road redesigns that support commerce. Encourage local entrepreneurship and innovation

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Serving Our Community with Common Sense Leadership

I’m committed to restoring common sense to local government by:

Supporting Law Enforcement and Public Safety

Empowering Small Businesses and Strengthening the Local Economy

Cutting Government Waste and Reducing Taxes

Improving Infrastructure with Fiscal Responsibility

Promoting Affordable Housing through Free-Market Solutions

I believe we must reclaim our community’s identity, protect our natural beauty, and defend property rights, all while working to restore healthcare freedom for individuals and families.

Finally, I will champion efforts to end government overreach, restore local control, and uphold our shared commitment to faith and freedom.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my dad, my mom, and my Savior, Jesus Christ. Each of them has shaped my character in different but essential ways.

My dad taught me discipline, responsibility, and what it means to live with honor. As a military man, he modeled leadership through service—never demanding respect, but earning it daily through hard work, humility, and consistency. From him, I learned the value of integrity and the importance of doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.

My mom showed me unconditional love, perseverance, and grace. She balanced strength and compassion with a quiet faith that anchored our family. Her ability to care for others while standing firm in her convictions shaped how I understand both servant leadership and moral courage.

Above all, I strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ—my Savior, the perfect model of humility, truth, sacrifice, and righteousness. His life was one of love, justice, and unwavering purpose. He didn’t seek power; He came to serve. That’s the kind of leadership I aspire to—one that reflects not just competence, but character.

I also look up to my wife, who has the strength, faith, and conviction to both encourage and admonish me. She speaks truth to me when I need it, supports me when I struggle, and reminds me daily of what matters most. Her belief in me and her willingness to challenge me are gifts I don’t take lightly. She makes me better.

Together, these people have grounded me in faith, shaped my values, and inspired me to serve with humility and courage. Their examples are never far from my mind as I pursue a path of leadership.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I would recommend the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, Washington;s Farewell Address, and the Federalist Papers for a foundational understanding of the principles I hold dear. For a modern perspective, “The 5000 Year Leap” by W. Cleon Skousen is an excellent resource that highlights the divine inspiration and timeless wisdom behind our founding. Spiritually, I am guided by Scripture, especially passages like Romans 13 and Proverbs 29, which speak to just leadership.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An elected official must be guided by integrity, humility, courage, and a deep sense of duty to the people they serve. I believe in servant leadership—rooted in faith and accountability—where public service is a calling, not a career. Wisdom, common sense, and fidelity to the Constitution are essential, especially in a time when foundational values are under attack.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

First and foremost, I strive to be a servant leader. I believe leadership isn’t about power or position—it’s about responsibility, humility, and service. My faith teaches me that greatness comes through serving others, and that’s the mindset I bring to public office.

I also bring a strong sense of conviction and clarity. I don’t chase popular opinion or political trends. I believe in standing firm on principle—even when it’s not easy or convenient. The Constitution matters. Liberty matters. Truth matters. And I won’t compromise those things to score points or avoid conflict.

I’ve developed discipline and accountability through years of public service and personal responsibility. Whether on the school board, in business, or as a husband and father, I’ve had to make tough decisions, manage competing priorities, and keep my word. I believe that character is revealed in the small things—how you treat people, how you handle pressure, and how you carry yourself when no one’s watching.

I also value transparency and communication. People don’t expect perfection, but they do deserve honesty. I will tell the truth, explain my reasoning, and listen—especially when we disagree. Trust in government begins with telling people the truth, even when it’s hard.

Finally, I bring a deep love for this community. I’m not here to build a political career—I’m here to preserve the values that make Brevard a place worth fighting for. My goal is not to remake the city in someone else’s image, but to protect and serve the people who call it home.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The mayor’s core responsibility is to safeguard the interests, freedoms, and well-being of the people. That means ensuring public safety, promoting economic vitality, stewarding taxpayer dollars responsibly, and preserving our community’s unique character. It also includes being a voice of moral clarity and advocating for local control over issues that affect our daily lives.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave a legacy of faithful service, principled leadership, and community stewardship—a legacy where people can say, “He didn’t serve for himself—he served for us, and he stood for what was right.”

I want to be remembered as someone who honored God, defended the Constitution, and stood firm even when it would’ve been easier to go along with the crowd. My hope is that my time in office will show that courage, humility, and conviction still matter in public life—and that leaders can serve without compromising their values.

I want to leave behind a stronger, freer, and more unified community—not because we all agree on everything, but because we are committed to the same principles of liberty, accountability, and mutual respect.

If, years from now, my children—or any young person—can look at my service and say, “That’s how you lead with integrity,” then I’ll know I’ve done something worthwhile.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first major historical event I remember was the Challenger disaster in 1986. I was 16 years old, watching live in a classroom as the shuttle exploded. It was a shocking and sobering moment—one of the first times I saw how deeply a national tragedy could affect the entire country. It made a lasting impression on me about the risks of leadership and the cost of progress.

But the events that may have shaped me most were the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the collapse of the Soviet Union soon after. As a military kid growing up during the Cold War, the tension between the U.S. and the Soviet bloc was part of our daily reality. The Cold War wasn’t just a political standoff—it was something we lived with, moved for, and trained under.

When the Berlin Wall came down, I was 19. Watching East and West Germans reunite was powerful and emotional. It wasn’t just a wall crumbling—it was tyranny giving way to freedom. The collapse of the Soviet Union a couple of years later brought a sense of relief and optimism. For military families like mine, it meant the world was changing, and a major threat to freedom had receded.

Those moments helped shape how I understand liberty, responsibility, and the fragile nature of peace. They weren’t just historical events; they were personal and formative milestones in my life.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I cannot remember I time I did not work. I picked potatoes in England when I was 10 or 11.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I have three favorite books that have deeply shaped how I understand the world.

First is the Bible, which I consider the ultimate source of truth and wisdom. It provides timeless guidance on faith, morality, and how to live a meaningful life. Its teachings ground me daily and shape my values, leadership, and purpose.

The second is "Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid" by Douglas Hofstadter. This fascinating book explores the intricate connections between logic, art, and music, revealing how complex patterns emerge from simple rules. It challenged me to think more deeply about creativity, consciousness, and the nature of intelligence.

Third is "Finite and Infinite Games" by James P. Carse. This work offers a profound perspective on life and leadership by distinguishing between games played to win and games played to continue the play. It has influenced how I approach challenges and public service—with a focus on long-term vision and enduring purpose beyond short-term victories.

Together, these books have expanded my understanding and continue to guide me in faith, thought, and leadership.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

I would choose to be Batman. What draws me to Batman is not just his physical strength or gadgets, but his unwavering commitment to justice, discipline, and personal responsibility. Despite facing incredible challenges and personal loss, he never gives up on protecting his city and standing for what’s right.

Batman operates without superpowers, relying on his intellect, training, and moral code. That kind of resilience and dedication to serving others, even in the darkest moments, is something I deeply respect and aspire to emulate in public service.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

The last song stuck in my head was “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)” by Matt Redman. It’s a powerful reminder to focus on gratitude and God’s faithfulness, no matter the circumstances. The message of praising God through all seasons resonates deeply with me and helps keep my perspective grounded.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Trust. That’s been one of the hardest struggles in my life. Over the years, I’ve experienced betrayal from people I thought I could count on—friends, colleagues, even some in leadership. When your trust is broken repeatedly, it can make you guarded, cautious, and even cynical.

But in those moments, I’ve learned to lean hard into my faith in Christ. He is my anchor and my shield. Scripture reminds us that trials and tribulations are not exceptions—they are promises. Even Christ Himself was betrayed by those closest to Him. That truth doesn’t take away the pain, but it gives it perspective. It reminds me that my ultimate security doesn’t come from people—it comes from the Lord.

This struggle has taught me discernment, humility, and forgiveness. It’s shown me the importance of being a man who keeps trust, not just seeks it. In public service especially, people need leaders who say what they mean and do what they say—consistently.

My hope is that through my actions—not just my words—I can rebuild trust where it’s been lost, and be the kind of leader who leads with both conviction and compassion.

A mayor is a leader in his or her city. What does that mean to you?

Leadership means being visible, accessible, and anchored in the values of the people you serve. It means uniting rather than dividing, serving rather than ruling, and always putting the good of the community above personal ambition. A mayor should be a steady hand during crisis, a moral compass during controversy, and a servant at all times.

If the mayor in your city is a member of the city council and there's a city manager appointed to handle the day-to-day administration of the city government, what do you believe should be the mayor's top priority in office?

In that structure, the mayor’s top priorities should be representing the voice of the people, setting a clear vision rooted in local values, and ensuring accountability in how the city manager executes that vision. The mayor should also act as a guardian of transparency, a watchdog for fiscal responsibility, and a tireless advocate for law enforcement, small businesses, and families.

If the mayor in your city is not a member of the city council and oversees the day-to-day administration of the city government, what do you believe is the ideal relationship between the mayor and city council?

We are a City Manager lead city.

What do you love most about your city?

I love Brevard’s strong sense of community, its natural beauty, and its people of faith and grit. We are a city blessed with small-town charm, surrounded by God’s creation, and filled with hardworking folks who care about their neighbors and take pride in their town. That’s worth fighting to protect.

What do you perceive to be your city's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Brevard faces several serious challenges:

Growth without losing our identity

Infrastructure that meets modern needs without breaking the budget

The erosion of personal and property rights

The affordability crisis facing working families

A loss of local control to state and federal bureaucracies

We must meet these challenges with smart planning, local solutions, and moral leadership—not by copying big-city policies that don't fit our values.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between your city and the state government?

The ideal relationship is one of cooperation without subservience. The state should respect the autonomy of local governments and avoid one-size-fits-all mandates. Local leaders understand local needs best. The city should engage with the state when necessary but always advocate for home rule and local control.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between your city and the federal government?

The federal government has a limited, constitutional role. It should support—not dictate to—local communities. The city should resist federal overreach, especially in areas like land use, education, and law enforcement. We should accept federal support only when it aligns with our values, protects local decision-making, and avoids entangling strings.

Tell us your favorite joke.

What did the mama tomato say to the baby tomato - ketchup - still laugh at that one.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the mayor's office and law enforcement?

The mayor should be a staunch ally of law enforcement, ensuring officers have the resources, training, and public backing they need to do their jobs. That means resisting anti-police rhetoric, defending due process, and standing with those who risk their lives to protect our community. Public safety is the foundation of liberty, and the mayor must always be on the front lines defending it.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Transparency is not optional—it’s a duty. The people have every right to know how their money is spent and how decisions are made. I support clear financial reporting, open meetings, and public access to city information. True accountability means not just doing what’s legal, but doing what’s right, even when no one is looking.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

See also

2025 Elections

What's on the ballot? U.S. Congress special elections State executives State legislatures State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards Election analysis hub

Government

Who represents me? U.S. Congress State executives State legislators State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards

Newsletters

The Daily Brew The Weekly Brew The Ballot Bulletin Checks and Balances Economy and Society Hall Pass Number of the Day Robe & Gavel Union Station

External links

Search Google News for this topic

Candidate

Mayor of Brevard

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Personal

LinkedIn