Misun Kim

Misun Kim (Republican Party) is running for election for an at-large seat of the Charlotte City Council in North Carolina. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025. The Republican primary for this office on September 9, 2025, was canceled.

Biography

Misun Kim was born in Seoul, South Korea. Kim's professional experience includes working as a real estate professional and in retail business. She earned a bachelor's degree from Kwangwoon University in 1988.^[1]

Elections

2025

General election

The candidate list in this election may not be complete.

General election for Charlotte City Council At-large (4 seats)

The following candidates are running in the general election for Charlotte City Council At-large on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
		Dimple Ajmera (D)
		James Mitchell (D)
	Submit photo	LaWana Slack-Mayfield (D)
		Victoria Watlington (D)
		Misun Kim (R)
		Edwin Peacock (R)

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Charlotte City Council At-large (4 seats)

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for Charlotte City Council At-large on September 9, 2025.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Dimple Ajmera	20.8	30,346
✔	Submit photo	LaWana Slack-Mayfield	17.5	25,531
✔		James Mitchell	16.1	23,550
✔		Victoria Watlington	15.6	22,778
	Submit photo	Namrata Yadav	8.9	13,064
		Matt Britt	5.9	8,676
		Roderick Davis	5.0	7,354
		Will Holley	4.6	6,699
	Submit photo	J.G. Lockhart	3.9	5,699
	Submit photo	Emerson Stoldt	1.6	2,311

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 146,008
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Misun Kim and Edwin Peacock advanced from the Republican primary for Charlotte City Council At-large.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.

2023

General election

General election for Mayor of Charlotte

Incumbent Vi Alexander Lyles defeated Misun Kim and Rob Yates in the general election for Mayor of Charlotte on November 7, 2023.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Vi Alexander Lyles (D)	73.6	64,564
	Misun Kim (R)	21.3	18,713
	Rob Yates (L)	4.7	4,087
	Other/Write-in votes	0.4	317

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 87,681
= 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.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Mayor of Charlotte

Incumbent Vi Alexander Lyles defeated Lucille Puckett in the Democratic primary for Mayor of Charlotte on September 12, 2023.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Vi Alexander Lyles	85.4	20,109
	Lucille Puckett	14.6	3,449

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 23,558
= 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.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Misun Kim advanced from the Republican primary for Mayor of Charlotte.

Libertarian primary election

The Libertarian primary election was canceled. Rob Yates advanced from the Libertarian primary for Mayor of Charlotte.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Kim in this election.

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

Misun Kim has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2025 Candidate Connection survey. Send a message to Misun Kim asking her to fill out the survey. If you are Misun Kim, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2025 Candidate Connection survey.

Who fills out Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey?

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You can ask Misun Kim to fill out this survey by using the button below or emailing info@misunkimformayor.com.

2023

Misun Kim completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kim'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 Misun Kim, and I am running for office to bring economic growth and prosperity to the people of Charlotte. For too long, Charlotte politicians have focused on their political backing instead of supporting the citizens - I will change that. My platform focuses on growing small businesses, developing new educational opportunities for our children and young adults in the community, and revitalizing the uptown business district.

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?

Economic growth - I am focused upon bringing new business growth to Charlotte. Through my links in the business community, I will endeavor to bring manufacturers, developers, and data centers large and small to the Queen City. With abundant land and affordable power, our city is primed to become the East Coast's data hub - why let Miami or another city claim what is in arm's reach for us? In addition, I will fight to ease business regulation and red tape hurdles that hurt our small business community. I will bring forth the growth the people of Charlotte need.
Education - I will focus on providing educational opportunities to the youth and young adult population of Charlotte, unlocking their untapped potential. The youngest citizens of our city are our future, and I want to ensure they have the knowledge and skills and keep our city at the forefront of the digital economy. "Youth Data Boot Camps", data analysis, and technical skills training are key areas of my platform. Additionally, I see the need for trade skills courses for citizens who enjoy building the future with their hands, brawn, and determination.
Crime and homelessness - we need to provide the opportunity and environment to reduce the gaps between the housed and unhoused. Everyone deserves a roof over their head and a bed at night, and the overlooked people in our community who cannot afford a roof over their head deserve better. I will focus on affordable housing opportunities to help those in need, which in turn will help reduce crime when someone has to steal food to make ends meet. We can and must do better for all citizens of Charlotte, and I will lead that charge.

Community Question Featured local question

Did the COVID-19 pandemic change your approach to local policy issues? If so, please give us an example. If not, why?

COVIC-19 was nothing but killing middle class of America and it is cause of the price increase of the goods. it almost destroyed the American economic and we are still struggling. The city will have our own way of handle the situation in small business owner and each individual's wealth in mind. The People in Charlotte matters!

Community Question Featured local question

Do you believe crime rates are changing? Where do you get your crime rate data from? Would you make any changes to existing public safety policy?

I get it from CMPD website. Although the crime rate is down in violent crime, but it is spike in Auto thefts and juvenile Crime. It shows that there are big issues in young generation. There should be more trade schools available for the high school student, so they have a job when they are graduated from the school. Also, I will have CCTV in every single corner to catch the criminals and create the safe place for anyone.

Community Question Featured local question

Do you think the downtown area is healthy? What is your definition of a healthy downtown? What changes, if any, would you like to make?

I believe we need to take rapid action to save uptown. Many of our iconic skyscrapers are at minimal capacity, and my proposed business policies would actively encourage new business tenants in the region.

Community Question Featured local question

How important is it to involve residents in the government’s decision-making process? What plans do you have regarding resident involvement in this process?

Resident involvement is very important to keep government accountable. As Mayor, I look forward to helping the citizens of our great city get the services and opportunities they deserve from our local government.

Community Question Featured local question

How should record requests from the public be handled? Do you have any policies around transparency and accountability you want to enact?

All record should be open for the public at as soon as possible.

Community Question Featured local question

How would you address crime and public safety? Do you have a different stance than current city council policy?

Crime and homelessness - we need to provide the opportunity and environment to reduce the gaps between the housed and unhoused. Everyone deserves a roof over their head and a bed at night, and the overlooked people in our community who cannot afford a roof over their head deserve better. I will focus on affordable housing opportunities to help those in need, which in turn will help reduce crime when someone has to steal food to make ends meet. We can and must do better for all citizens of Charlotte, and I will lead that charge.

Community Question Featured local question

How would you balance the needs and desires of existing business and housing communities with new development? Would you take gentrification and displacement into consideration when planning neighborhood development?

I am supporter of neighborhood center related developments which will provide more employment opportunities for the people who lives near. There are some of the benefits of gentrification include reduced crime rates, improved infrastructure and economic growth. but the meantime, there are some of the cons of gentrification included displacement, cultural erasure and a spike in the cost of living, especially for underserved communities. I will take all pros and cons as consideration and apply by the area

Community Question Featured local question

How would you set priorities and develop plans in a way that will reflect community values and goals?

I will focus on under developed area where there is no side walks. I would like to add more outdoor amenities for the residence of the city using the city owned land and build the outdoor gyms and public bathrooms for people in needs and have a safe , clean , healthy city.

Community Question Featured local question

What do you think about the city's current approach to public safety? Would you take any different positions?

We need to take a holistic, stronger approach to law enforcement in Charlotte. We have work to do in order to reduce petty crime and ensure all citizens feel safe walking down the street. My policies would include additional funding for the police force.

Community Question Featured local question

What do you think about the city's environmental health? Would you make any changes to current policy?

I will work more on recycling and enforce the recycling to business and homes.

Community Question Featured local question

What plans do you have regarding infrastructure?

Public transit - currently, Charlotte has acute traffic problems centered around the amount of cars on the road. I want to bring more light rail, bus, and bike trails to the city to help alleviate the traffic citizens see day in and day out. This will assist with bringing economic opportunity to those without personal transportation - as they say, rising tides lift all ships.

Community Question Featured local question

What plans do you have regarding the police department? Would you make any changes from current policy?

We need to take a holistic, stronger approach to law enforcement in Charlotte. We have work to do in order to reduce petty crime and ensure all citizens feel safe walking down the street. My policies would include additional funding for the police force.

Community Question Featured local question

What policies would you have implemented in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic? Why did you select those policies?

I will not enforce the mask mandate nor the vaccine mandate. I grow up in S Korea, where the most of citizens will use mask to avoid the sprayed the flues. The small business will never required by the city to shut down if I am elected Mayor.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Homelessness, caring for everyone in our community and making sure housing prices are not out of reach for the average Charlotte resident.

Business opportunity - ending the cycle of poverty by empowering those who are on the outside looking in to create a business and generation wealth. America is the land of opportunity and I want to ensure everyone in Charlotte has the same opportunity I, and other immigrants, have been afforded.

Public transit - currently, Charlotte has acute traffic problems centered around the amount of cars on the road. I want to bring more light rail, bus, and bike trails to the city to help alleviate the traffic citizens see day in and day out. This will assist with bringing economic opportunity to those without personal transportation - as they say, rising tides lift all ships.

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

Elon Musk; I am a fan of his humanitarian endeavors, he's a job creator and he's never satisfied with the status quo. His determination to improve economic and humanitarian conditions are similar to mine.

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

What you should know about Politics but Don't by jessamine Conrad

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

strong leadership to handle the crises.

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

I have a strong business background, and will bring my zeal, grit and determination to get the best results for the citizens of Charlotte to office. Through my relationships with counterparts in South Korea, I am excited about the opportunities to bring high tech companies to our region and continue our economic development as the new "tech hub" of the southeast.

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

I believe my core responsibilities as mayor include the following goals:

Homelessness, caring for everyone in our community and making sure housing prices are not out of reach for the average Charlotte resident.

Business opportunity - ending the cycle of poverty by empowering those who are on the outside looking in to create a business and generation wealth. America is the land of opportunity and I want to ensure everyone in Charlotte has the same opportunity I, and other immigrants, have been afforded.

Public transit - currently, Charlotte has acute traffic problems centered around the amount of cars on the road. I want to bring more light rail, bus, and bike trails to the city to help alleviate the traffic citizens see day in and day out. This will assist with bringing economic opportunity to those without personal transportation - as they say, rising tides lift all ships.

What legacy would you like to leave?

My name is not important and leaving the legacy isn't either but I wish everyone remembers me as a politician who truly served the people. And banned the using psychiatric drugs to use kids under 16 years old. I will work hard for the people who is underprivilege.

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

When President Park was assassinated at the Blue House in South Korea - until his untimely death in 1979, he provided a positive impact on education and economic growth in my home country. His passion for helping the common man was imparted on me, which I seek to use to the betterment of Charlotte.

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

My first job was working as a secretary for an immigration lawyer who later became a county judge in Dallas, Texas. I gained my passion for politics from this position, meeting other people who care about the prosperity of our country and its people.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Great Expectation by Charles Dickens.
He never give up!

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

Wonder woman

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

Flower by Miley Cyrus

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

I am always only one Asian female in Commercial real estate for 20mm plus years. I get the treatment as a second citizen in this country due to my look and my accent. I had to work hard and make sure that I am educated business woman behind the face and I am sure I did.

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

If elected mayor of Charlotte, I see myself acting as a unifying force in our city politics - I believe in helping all residents of Charlotte, be they rich, poor, or anywhere between, and enacting policies that work for the betterment of the city and growing our economic prosperity.

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?

bring the new business in the city and help the grow of the economic of the city. I will bring the data center and high tech company to take the city tom the next level

What do you love most about your city?

I love the dynamic character of Charlotte - it is a melting pot of different peoples, ideas, and aspirations for the future. I hope to bring that dynamism to the forefront if elected to office - my experiences as an immigrant making my home in this great city shows what can be accomplished with hard work and determination. I hope to bring that zeal to the mayor's office as I serve the people of the Queen City!

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

infrastructures, traffic control, find the solution to replace the banking industry to help the economic growth of the city. Housing issues. homeless crises, Mental health crises.

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

City should govern itself and focus more with the city residence's quality of life.

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

small government is better. We should be able to create local laws, not by the federal government.
I will be all about the people of Charlotte. I will fight for the right and lower the property taxes and creating the city own hospital to serve the people without focusing the profit but taking care of their needs.

Tell us your favorite joke.

This joke shows what is the most important thing in Man's mind:

A Man Had Three Beautiful Girlfriends But Didn't Know Which One to Marry...
Long
As a test, he decided to give each woman $5,000 to see how they would spend it.

The first girlfriend went out and got herself a complete makeover. She told him, "I spent the money so I could look pretty for you because I love you so much."

The second went shopping and bought the man new golf clubs, an iPad, and an 80-inch flatscreen television. She said, "I bought these gifts for you because I love you so much."

The third woman took the $5,000 and invested it in the stock market, doubled her investment, returned $5,000 to the man and reinvested the rest. She said, "I am investing the rest of the money for our future because I love you so much."

The man thought long and hard about how each of his girlfriends had spent the money, and then decided to marry the one with the biggest tits.

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

I believe the mayor needs a strong, mutually respectful relationship with law enforcement. Charlotte needs help in reducing petty crime, and I intend to have a strong relationship with both the Charlotte police commissioner and Mecklenburg County sheriff.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

N/A

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Note: Community Questions were submitted by the public and chosen for inclusion by a volunteer advisory board. The chosen questions were modified by staff to adhere to Ballotpedia’s neutrality standards. To learn more about Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection Expansion Project, click here.

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Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 26, 2023

[bio-1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 26, 2023

[1]

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Misun Kim

Contents

Biography

Elections

2025

General election

General election for Charlotte City Council At-large (4 seats)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Charlotte City Council At-large (4 seats)

Republican primary election

Endorsements

2023

General election

General election for Mayor of Charlotte

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Mayor of Charlotte

Republican primary election

Libertarian primary election

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

2023

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

2024 Election analysis

Trending

Public Policy

Information for candidates

Get Engaged

Services

Additional analysis

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