My name is Charles Black, and Kingman has been my home for most of my life. I first moved here in 1989, when this town was still growing but already filled with the kind of people who look out for their neighbors. I lived here until 1993, when my career took me to Texas for a few years — but Kingman always felt like home. In 2007, I returned for good, and I’ve proudly called this community home ever since.

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I answered a different kind of calling — one to serve my country. I joined the Army National Guard in 1998 and proudly served until 2007. During that time, I deployed to Bosnia in 2002 as part of the SFOR-11 peacekeeping mission, and again to Afghanistan in 2004–2005 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. I served as an 11C Infantry Sergeant, leading and training soldiers in some of the most challenging environments imaginable. Those years taught me the value of discipline, leadership, teamwork, and sacrifice — lessons that continue to guide everything I do today.

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When my military service ended, I focused on expanding my skills and education. While I do not hold a degree, I attended college courses in business management, marketing, finance, and criminal justice, building a foundation in leadership, accountability, and problem-solving. I also attended trade school, becoming a master plumber, a profession I practiced for more than 20 years. That career taught me the importance of hard work, precision, and doing the job right the first time — qualities I bring into every role I take on.

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Working in the trades taught me something that no classroom ever could — the value of earning an honest living and the pride that comes from doing the job right. As a master plumber and small business professional, I’ve spent more than two decades meeting deadlines, solving problems, and keeping my word to customers and coworkers alike. Those experiences shaped my belief that strong communities are built by hardworking men and women who take responsibility, keep their promises, and help their neighbors when times get tough.

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I’ve always believed that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. Over the years, I’ve continued to give back through both local and national volunteer work. I’ve served as a certified NRA Range Safety Officer, helping to promote responsible firearm ownership and safety in our community.

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As the CEO of a veteran nonprofit, I helped coordinate disaster relief operations across the United States, working side by side with fellow veterans to support local communities devastated by natural disasters. I hold multiple FEMA certifications in disaster response and emergency management, and I’ve used that training to help organize emergency operations that delivered real, on-the-ground impact.

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Today, I dedicate much of my volunteer time to animal rescue — working with Feral Cat Warriors here in Kingman and supporting other rescue groups across Arizona and beyond to strengthen their programs and operations. I’ve assisted with disaster relief efforts for animal shelters and rescues affected by natural disasters, including the January wildfires in Los Angeles and the recent flooding in Central Texas. In those crises, I worked directly with Wings of Rescue and Best Friends Animal Society to help save more than 200 cats, and arranged a life-saving transport flight from the Mohave County Animal Shelter through the Kingman Airport, ensuring dozens of local animals found safety and second chances.

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Along with hands-on rescue coordination, I’ve helped organize fundraising campaigns, develop sponsorship packages, and identify new funding sources to support these lifesaving operations. Managing budgets, negotiating partnerships, and leading volunteers have become part of my everyday work in service to both animals and the people who care for them.

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In addition to my animal welfare work, I’ve volunteered as an emcee, DJ, and videographer for multiple nonprofit fundraising events — using my technical skills to help other organizations succeed. I also proudly volunteer with “Chillin on Beale,” where I serve as the DJ and emcee for monthly downtown car shows that raise money for Kingman’s annual Trunk or Treat, providing a safe, family-friendly event for local children each Halloween.

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My life has been built around one simple belief: real leadership means service. Whether on the battlefield, in business, or in our neighborhoods, leadership is about standing up, showing up, and doing what’s right even when it’s not easy.

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I’m running for Kingman City Council because I believe in the same principles our Founding Fathers built this nation on — faith, freedom, personal responsibility, and limited government. I want to see Kingman thrive through responsible growth, fiscal accountability, safe neighborhoods, and support for local businesses and working families.

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I’ve seen how politics can be used as a weapon, and I’ve lived through it personally. In 2010, while running for Congress and standing up for reform in our sheriff’s office, I became the target of a politically motivated investigation. Though a federal prosecutor dismissed the case, the elected Sheriff personally pursued it anyway. To protect my family and move forward, I accepted a misdemeanor plea deal. That experience deepened my belief that government must be accountable to the people — not the other way around.

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Today, my mission is clear: to serve Kingman with honesty, integrity, and transparency. I want to ensure our city remains a place where hard work is rewarded, families feel safe, small businesses can grow, and government stays in its lane.

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Service. Integrity. Community. Freedom.
That’s what I stand for — and that’s what I’ll fight to protect for Kingman.