James Shaughnessy IV is running his campaign for Raleigh mayor from an apartment filled with lawn signs — a testament to his grassroots approach to local politics. The 25-year-old pre-law student at William Peace University isn’t your typical mayoral candidate, but he’s hoping that will work to his advantage.
“I don’t have $300,000 in the bank,” Shaughnessy says, acknowledging the financial challenges of his campaign. “But with what we’ve got, we’re being very strategic trying to make it work.”
The young candidate has built his platform around several key issues , including infrastructure efficiency, public transit improvements, and fiscal responsibility. Among his priorities are revitalizing mental health services, establishing farms for schools, and strengthening blue-collar education programs. However, housing affordability tops his list of concerns…