Appointed Greensboro City Council Member Goes There; "Let's Bring Jamilla Pinder Back" Ad on Primary Election Day
The lesson is unmistakable; in Greensboro politics, appointment often serves as the first step to elected incumbency.
On January 31, 2025, the Greensboro City Council selected Jamilla Pinder to fill the at-large seat left vacant after the passing of Mayor Pro Tempore Yvonne Johnson . She was officially sworn in on February 4, 2025.
This appointment was meant to provide stewardship, but it has also functioned as a powerful springboard. Today, October 7, 2025, Pinder is on the primary ballot, asking voters to let her keep the seat she was appointed to just months ago.
The Problem with Appointed Incumbency
City Council appointments are intended to provide temporary stewardship until voters have their say. They are not supposed to create political incumbents before an election ever occurs.
But appointed officials inevitably gain advantages that other candidates cannot match; Name Recognition & Prestige; Serving for months before the election provides visibility and the authority of the council title itself.
Media and Civic Presence; As a sitting council member, Pinder has had a platform to build her public profile, such as giving interviews about her background and policy focus on health, housing and transit.
Proven Access to Donors: Notable Unusual Pinder contributions;
VANESSA CARROLL (R), CHARLES HAGAN, MICHAEL HALEY (R), MARTY KOTIS (R), JOYCE GORHAM-WARSLEY, GREENSBORO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Considering Pinder is a Black Democrat, the following letter from Michael Haley is telling of how a candidate is willing to sell her soul to win, even at the expense of her own community;
A Deeper Pattern in Local Politics
Greensboro and Guilford County’s history is filled with examples of appointees who parlayed a temporary seat into long-term power. The pattern extends beyond the city council.
An Illustration of the Pattern: From Appointment to Incumbency
This pattern of appointed officials gaining the advantages of incumbency is not new. Greensboro’s recent political history is filled with examples:
Jamilla Pinder - Greensboro City Council, At-Large
Appointed: January 2025
Frankie T. Jones Jr. - Guilford County Board of Commissioners
Appointed: 2022
Hugh Holston - Greensboro City Council, At-Large
Appointed: 2021
Skip Alston - Guilford County Board of Commissioners
Appointed: 2018
Goldie Wells - Greensboro City Council
Appointed: 2017, then subsequently re-elected.
Justin Outling - Greensboro City Council
Appointed: 2015, then elected, and later ran for mayor.
Tony Wilkins - Greensboro City Council
Appointed: 2012, then elected in 2013 and 2015.
The lesson is clear; an appointment often serves as the first step to a long-term elected position.
A Call for Fair Elections
The purpose of an appointment is to fill a gap, not to tilt an election. Allowing appointees to run with a head start in visibility and donor backing, undermines the democratic process by discouraging competition.
The case of Jamilla Pinder is instructive. She was appointed during a moment of civic mourning for Yvonne Johnson, entrusted to serve as a placeholder until voters could decide.
The people of Greensboro deserve better. They deserve elections decided by voters, not by backroom appointments.