07/24/2025
Friends, I’m excited and proud to share some big news: I am running for Kannapolis City Council in 2025!
This election will look a little different than usual, though. I’ll be on a separate section of the ballot, running for an unexpired 2-year seat. Importantly, I’m not running against any current council member.
After my campaign in 2023, I took time to reflect on what I learned from that race. Although I didn't win, I was proud of the progress we made and the support we built throughout Kannapolis. Since then, I have continued serving on boards and advocating for the city we all love. Last year, I was honored to be chosen as Vice Chair of the Kannapolis Board of Adjustments, where I sit for evidentiary hearings around certain zoning cases and ensure that these cases follow the standards set in our zoning ordinances. I’ve also remained active attending community events and listening to what’s most important for fellow residents.
Kannapolis is a great city with a rich history, but we still have work to do. We have a tremendous opportunity to honor that history, while also embracing smart growth and fresh ideas, so that we create a city that is a vibrant, inviting place to live and visit.
My reasons for running remain the same: to better Kannapolis.
My focus right now:
-Affordable housing opportunities, so people from all walks of life have the chance to live here.
-Smart and strategic development around the city, especially in areas that have been looked over for decades. This means improvements as small as sidewalks to larger-scale investment.
-Thriving local businesses, supporting small business owners who are already here AND encouraging larger employers to pay fair wages, provide stable employment, and community investment.
-Mental health advocacy, and I will continue to push for better access and more resources for all of our residents.
When we get down to it, regardless of the reasons, my calling is to serve. I was born and raised around Kannapolis, and I want to represent her with dedication and transparency. I want to be accessible, engaged and a true voice of our community.
I hope you’ll stand with me, because together we CAN win this! Remember, vote Holden Sides, “he’s paving the way” (literally).
Help build my warchest by donating here:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/holdenforkannapolis25
Sign up to volunteer or get a sign here:
https://forms.gle/JRdsGAkXs2Uo8zF57