WRAL – By Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief
Democratic North Carolina Sen. Mike Woodard plans to run for mayor of Durham this year.
Woodard told WRAL News that he plans to file the required paperwork Wednesday morning. He is running to replace Mayor Elaine O’Neal, who said last month that she wouldn’t seek reelection.
Woodard served seven years on Durham’s city council before winning his seat in the state Senate, where he’s served for the past eleven years.
“Looking at the issues and opportunities that lie ahead for Durham in the next two, four, six years, I felt like I would be the best person to step into the mayor’s role,” Woodard said.
Woodard said he plans to continue serving in the state Senate during the campaign. “We have a few things left on our agenda this long session, as well as any special sessions that may be called,” he said.
He said he would step down from the Senate in December if he wins the mayor’s race, since state law doesn’t allow anyone to hold two offices at the same time.
Woodard said he had calls from more than 30 Durham leaders asking him to run.
“The decision to run for this office and potentially leave the Senate was a difficult one, because I really love my job,” Woodard said. “If I had not heard from that many people with that strong support for my candidacy, I would not have decided to take this step.”