BERMUDA RUN, N.C.(May 13, 2026) — The Town of Bermuda Run officially swore in Rae Nelson as Mayor during the Town Council meeting on May 12, 2026, making her the first female mayor in the town’s history.
Nelson assumed the role following the resignation of former Mayor Mike Brannon earlier this year. Prior to being sworn in as Mayor, Nelson had been serving as Mayor Pro Tem.
Following the oath of office, Mayor Nelson reflected on the opportunity to serve the community. “It is an absolute honor to serve with this team, an absolute honor to serve this town, and an absolute honor to serve at this particular time,” Nelson said. “This is an amazing time for the Town of Bermuda Run. As long as we actively listen, engage in conversation with one another, and proactively — within the constraints of the law — do whatever we can to help shape the future of our amazing town, we will continue moving in the right direction.”
Nelson and her husband, Karl Haigler, have been residents of Bermuda Run since 1996. Throughout her career, she has held leadership positions in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, including serving at The White House as Associate Director for Education Policy and at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as Vice President and Executive Director of the Center for Workforce Preparation.
Nelson was sworn in as a member of the Bermuda Run Town Council in December 2023 and was appointed Mayor Pro Tem in December 2025. Her vacancy on the Town Council will be filled by Carson Jernigan.
For more information about the Town of Bermuda Run, visit www.bermudarun.gov.
