To friends, family, and the people of Roanoke Rapids,

I am announcing my run for mayor of Roanoke Rapids in the 2029 election.

I chose not to run in the November election because I believe leadership should not be rushed. Our city needs a leader who understands our challenges, earns trust, and offers real solutions instead of excuses.

I want the people of Roanoke Rapids to know exactly who they are voting for.

I am 40 years old, born in Florida, Moved to Roanoke Rapids in 1993.

I am married to my soulmate, and between us we have nine amazing children and one grandchild.

In the past I have volunteered with Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad, and Gaston Fire Department, and once held my EMT, and EMR certifications through the state of North Carolina.

I am a 2010 graduate of Basic Law Enforcement Training, and worked 3.5 years with the Department of Corrections. 

I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in business online through Colorado Christian University  — Class of 2029

I am a local business owner alongside my wife —RC Bounce, LLC

•I started a nonprofit to help clean up Roanoke Rapids, The Phoenix Foundation of Roanoke Rapids. I am currently on the Main Street Roanoke Rapids committee. 

I will never claim to be perfect, I am human, I have made mistakes, I have had my brush with the law, but with mistakes come growth and learning opportunities. I will not hide anything from you, if you want to know, just ask, I will be honest with you.

Over the next four years, I will be present, active, and engaged in our community so that when the time comes to cast your vote, you will already know who I am and what I stand for, because you will have seen it through my actions, not just words.

My intent Is clear:

This campaign will not be about politics.

It will not be about party labels or personal agendas.

It will be about progress, accountability, and community.

I want to:

Rebuild trust between city leadership and our citizens

Strengthen and support our public safety and those who protect our city

Address blight and revitalize our neighborhoods with dignity and respect

Boost the local economy by attracting beneficial businesses and tourism.

Create a city where young people want to stay, work, and build their future

This is not just talk, these are priorities I have already begun planning for our community.

Why four years matters

Real progress takes time.

Community trust takes time.

A stronger city foundation takes time.

I am choosing to invest in the people, and the city of Roanoke Rapids these next four years, not in political games.

I will listen.

I will serve.

I will show up.

I will work alongside you, not above you.

By the time we reach 2029, you won’t be asked to just pick a name you saw on a yard sign.

You will know who I am — my character, my values, and my vision, because you will have seen it.

What I believe

I believe Roanoke Rapids has more potential than we have been shown.

I believe Roanoke Rapids can become a place for tourism that people want to come to, instead of just a pit stop on I-95.

I believe we still have pride worth protecting and a future worth building.

I believe in transparency.

And I believe progress is possible when politics gets out of the way.

This is the beginning of a movement towards the future, not just a campaign.

One of my favorite quotes says, “A man not willing to fight for what he wants, deserves what he gets.”

I am willing to fight for Roanoke Rapids — are you?

I am now seeking advisors, mentors and volunteers to help guide me, and to help this campaign grow into what I truly believe it can become — progress over politics.

Ryan Carroll

Candidate for mayor, Roanoke Rapids, 2029