Special to IFN

Brian Summers has announced his campaign to be Statesville’s next mayor.

Summers, who touts a 31-year career in the federal government, is one of five candidates seeking to succeed long-time Mayor Costi Kutteh, who decided not to seek re-election. Election Day is November 4.

In his campaign announcement, Summers said he believes in a smaller, more efficient government that respects taxpayers, reduces unnecessary bureaucracy, supports local businesses and encourages smart, sustainable growth. Describing himself as a conservative, Summers said he believes his experience in government and Republican politics on the national level would benefit him in the role of mayor.

Summers said he has served in roles in the White House under President George W. Bush and on Capitol Hill for Sens. Jesse Helms, Mitch McConnell, Bob Dole, Trent Lott and Richard Burr. He said he
also advised legislation in the Judiciary, Foreign Relations and Agriculture committees and also served as a congressional chief of staff.

Summers described himself as a passionate advocate for families of children with special needs, literacy, small businesses and veterans’ issues. He said he is guided by Christian values and compassionate conservative principles.

Summers’ community involvement includes serving on the Iredell-Statesville Schools Task Force, the Statesville Family YMCA Board and supporting the Greater Statesville Women’s Club Read Across America Literacy program. He is also a member of the Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, and Iredell Friends of the Library.

In the 2022 mayoral election, Kutteh easily defeated Summers, garnering 58 percent of the vote.