North Carolina's largest city and its capital are both preparing for mayoral elections. Whoever is elected will most likely have to wrestle with the sensitive issue of gay and transgender rights.
On Tuesday, Charlotte will elect a new mayor to replace Jennifer Roberts. She lost the Democratic primary last month after becoming embroiled in a fight for LGBT rights.
Two city council members, Democrat Vi Lyles and Republican Kenny Smith, are squaring off to replace her.
In Raleigh, Democratic candidate Charles Francis issued a statement saying he supports the gay and transgender community. This comes just days after he lost an endorsement from a key interest group questioning his credentials on gay rights.
Francis is challenging unaffiliated incumbent Nancy McFarlane, who still has the endorsement of Equality North Carolina's political action committee.
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