Angelia Nikole James

Angelia Nikole James is a current member of the Monroe City Council in Union County, North Carolina, and is seeking re‑election to the council in the November 3, 2026 municipal election as an unaffiliated (UNA) candidate. The Monroe City Council is the legislative body for the city, responsible for adopting ordinances, setting the municipal budget, overseeing public services, and representing the interests of residents. Council members serve four‑year terms and must attend regular meetings, serve on committees, and engage with constituents on local issues such as public safety, economic development, and infrastructure [1].

James first won a council seat in the 2019 general election, receiving 1,241 votes (16.3 % of the total) and securing one of the three available seats [1]. Since taking office, she has participated in council deliberations and votes, though detailed records of her specific legislative initiatives are not publicly documented in the sources consulted. In addition to her council duties, James worked for two seasons as the head coach of the Porter Ridge High School varsity women’s basketball team, a role she held until a September 2022 incident led to her removal from the position [7]. The incident involved a police‑recorded encounter at a hotel; James was not charged with a crime, and the school district did not publicly clarify whether she was terminated or resigned [7].

Public information about James’s early life, education, or professional background outside of elected office and coaching is not available in the cited sources. Her campaign materials and detailed policy platform for the 2026 council race have not been published online, and no official campaign website is linked in the sources [1][7].

Despite the lack of a formal campaign website, James’s prior election success and ongoing council service suggest experience with municipal governance and community engagement. Her recent visibility in local media stems from the coaching controversy and a brief mention of a mayoral bid in a 2023 news segment, indicating continued political ambition within Union County [7]. Voters can expect her to draw on her council experience and community ties in the upcoming race.

Sources

• [1] Angelia James - Ballotpedia
• [7] Monroe City Council member Angelia James loses coaching job | wcnc.com
• [10] Angelia James gets thanks | Ucweekly | thecharlotteweekly.com