Republican Candidate Withdraws from Mecklenburg County Commission Race After Targeted Drive-By Shooting at Huntersville Home

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — The only Republican candidate for Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners District 1 has withdrawn from the 2026 race, citing a targeted drive-by shooting at his family’s home last month and the ongoing fear that forced them to relocate out of the district.

Aaron Marin announced his decision on Wednesday, March 25, more than a month after the February 16 incident on Greenfarm Road in Huntersville.

According to police and Marin’s statements, seven to 10 shots were fired around 7:40–7:45 p.m. while Marin, his wife, and their two young sons were inside the home. Bullets struck trees, two vehicles (causing roughly $2,000 in damage), a mailbox, and a child’s basketball hoop backboard. No one was injured.

Huntersville Police Chief Brian Vaughan confirmed the shooting was targeted because Marin was a political candidate. The department collected shell casings from the roadway and driveway and brought in the FBI to assist “out of an abundance of caution.” As of March 26, no arrests have been made and no suspects have been publicly identified.

In his withdrawal statement, Marin said the attack has upended his family’s life:

“Our lives were completely turned upside down. We have been forced to leave our home, change our routines, and live in constant fear. Our children are carrying emotional trauma that continues to deepen with each passing day without answers or accountability.”

He added that the family’s relocation out of District 1 makes it impossible for him to represent its residents, which include Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, and parts of north Charlotte. Marin also pointed to what he called “serious gaps” in Huntersville’s public safety infrastructure, including limited surveillance on major streets, which he said created obstacles for the investigation even with federal help.

Marin, who lost to incumbent Democrat Elaine Powell in 2024, was running unopposed on the Republican side for the open seat (Powell is not seeking re-election). He had advanced from the March 3 primary and was set to face Democrat Morris “Mac” McAdoo in November. McAdoo won the Democratic primary with about 49% of the vote.

The Mecklenburg County GOP condemned the violence, calling it “unacceptable” and stating that “no one should fear running for office.” Party leaders said the executive committee will select a replacement candidate before the mid-August deadline (75 days before the general election) so the name can appear on the November ballot.

Huntersville Police continue to investigate and ask anyone with information to contact them at 704-464-5517.

This case has raised broader questions about political violence, public safety in north Mecklenburg suburbs, and the challenges of running for local office in an increasingly tense environment.

WECU will continue to follow developments, including the GOP’s choice of a replacement and any updates from the ongoing investigation.