Keith Young Returns to Council Race | Asheville News

Asheville News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 20, 2026 · 2m

Keith Young, Asheville’s former City Council member and a hip-hop-loving advocate for racial justice, is back in the race for a council seat—driven by Tropical Storm Helene’s devastation and his unshakable ties to the city’s neighborhoods. With a campaign playlist that echoes his roots in classic rap, he credits the genre for sharpening his debate skills and shaping his voice. Though his first term saw wins like “Ban the Box” and balanced budgets without tax hikes, he’s frustrated by stalled reparations progress and his own 2020 loss—feelings that fuel his more direct, uncompromising approach…