When Chapel Hill’s Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt was re-elected for his third term last week, Vice President Joe Biden personally called to congratulate him.
And now there is speculation about Kleinschmidt’s next move — and his potential to run for a higher office.
Rob Schofield, policy director at the left-leaning think tank N.C. Policy Watch, said he would be shocked if Kleinschmidt did not aspire to higher office.
“He’s smart, well-spoken and telegenic,” he said. “But like other progressive politicians from Chapel Hill, he clearly faces some challenges reaching out to a broader constituency.”
Ferrel Guillory, a UNC journalism professor and an expert on Southern politics, said recent political activity at the nation’s Capitol has refocused attention on local politicians who are more engaged with their constituency.
“In light of the stalemate in Washington, D.C., there has been renewed attention on governors and mayors who can get things done,” Guillory said.
“This mayor does not have to contend with as much opposition as others, but both political parties will be looking toward emerging leaders on the local level.”
Gary Pearce, a Democratic state political consultant, said he’s not sure if North Carolina is prepared to elect an openly gay man like Kleinschmidt to a higher position.
“In time, it will not be difficult for someone openly gay to be elected to statewide office,” Pearce said.
