15th St. Coalition Leader Ellen Brabo to File for Mayor of Washington, NC

Veteran, Small Business Owner, and Community Advocate Launches Reform-Minded Campaign Rooted in Transparency and Civic Engagement

WASHINGTON, N.C. [Thursday, July 3, 2025] – Ellen Brabo, U.S. Army Veteran and coordinator of the 15th Street Coalition, announced that she will officially file her candidacy for Mayor of Washington, N.C., on Tuesday, July 8 at 10am, at the Beaufort County Board of Elections.

Brabo has become a recognizable figure in local civic engagement through her leadership opposing the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s proposed widening of 15th Street, an effort that has drawn sustained community attention and galvanized over 600 residents. Her candidacy stems directly from frustrations she says were brought to light through the coalition’s work: a lack of transparency, improper public meeting procedures, and city officials’ unwillingness to meet with concerned constituents.

“Our neighborhoods are being reshaped without our voices. Washington’s residents deserve more than silence and closed doors, they deserve leadership that listens, acts, and stands up for them. What I’ve seen is a government that sidesteps its people. That ends now. I’m stepping forward to return power where it belongs, in the hands of the community.”

A decorated veteran, Brabo owns and operates The Ell Hotel, the only female veteran-owned boutique hotel in the Carolinas. Her campaign will focus on open governance, responsible development, and equitable representation. Her candidacy offers constituents a unique combination of military service, business acumen, and a proven track record of civic leadership.

Brabo’s announcement is expected to intensify public dialogue around the 15th Street redesign, a project that has become one of the most contentious in recent city history. As the lead organizer of the coalition calling for a more resident-friendly alternative to the current proposal, Brabo has already demonstrated her ability to unite citizens, engage stakeholders, and advocate for safer infrastructure that respects the character of Washington’s neighborhoods.

“Public service should never mean private meetings and closed-door deals. Since February, I’ve seen how dysfunction and opacity have eroded faith in our city’s leadership. I’m stepping up to restore the public’s seat at the table.”

For more information about her campaign, visit www.ellenbrabo.com.

About Ellen Brabo

Ellen Brabo is a U.S. Army Veteran and the owner of The Ell Hotel in Washington, N.C. She is the coordinator of the 15th Street Coalition and a passionate advocate for open government and citizen engagement. Through her leadership and service, Brabo aims to bring transparency, trust, and community-first values back to City Hall.

Contact: Phone: 540-848-4349 | Email: ellen@ellenbrabo.com