Nora Webb, Publishing Editor 

Greensboro voters have elected Marikay Abuzuaiter as mayor, along with Denise Roth, Hugh Holston, and Irving D. Allen as at-large council members, and Adam Marshall as the new District 4 representative. 

The results bring both continuity and change to City Council as Greensboro enters its next term. This year’s election also marks a milestone: six Black council members were elected—the most in city history—creating Greensboro’s first majority-Black council. 

Marikay Abuzuaiter, who previously served as Mayor Pro Tempore (a deputy position in which a council member presides over meetings or performs ceremonial duties when the mayor is unavailable) will now lead the city as mayor. She emphasized collaboration with Greensboro’s university communities in her campaign. “We must build relationships with our area college and university students—not just with the administration but with the students,” she told the North Carolina Voter Guide. She added that she hopes to “bring back the College Commission we once had,” giving students a direct role in civic problem-solving. 

In the citywide at-large race, voters selected Denise Roth, Hugh Holston, and Irving D. Allen. 

Denise Roth, Greensboro’s former city manager and a newcomer to elected office, was the top vote-getter in the at-large race—a distinction that, by tradition, will make her Mayor Pro Tempore, a role Abuzuaiter previously held. Roth, who also served as Administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration under President Obama, is entering her first elected position after a career in appointed leadership at both local and federal levels.  

Her campaign focused on inclusive growth and steady leadership, calling for “smart and sustainable” development, “innovative and community-driven” safety, and “inclusive opportunity” across neighborhoods. For students and recent graduates, Roth’s experience in workforce development and infrastructure planning aligns with long-term goals of expanding job pathways, affordable housing, and transit access for young professionals. 

Hugh Holston, an incumbent, highlighted his record of engaging students at NC A&T, UNCG, Guilford College, and Greensboro College. “I have formally engaged college students on campus … to inform them of the role of City Council and the importance of their voice in what we do,” he said in his Voter Guide response. He also noted that he has helped college students secure appointments to city commissions and summer internships. 

Irving D. Allen, a community organizer and first-time council member, emphasized expanding youth participation in city leadership. “Young people will be included in all aspects of local government—from serving on boards and commissions to shaping policies through expanded advisory councils and internships,” he said. “Young people can see a future in Greensboro and choose to stay and lead here.” 

In District 4, which includes UNC Greensboro and the surrounding neighborhoods, newcomer Adam Marshall will represent the area. “We always speak about the goal of retaining our college graduates and young people,” Marshall said in a statement to The Carolinian. “Engaging them and allowing them to be heard is part of what will encourage them to stay in Greensboro after graduation.” 

Election results will be certified Friday, November 14, 2025, by the Guilford County Board of Elections. The new City Council will be sworn in Tuesday, December 2, 2025. 

All five officials were contacted by The Carolinian for comment; only Marshall responded by press time.