Originally published on ABC11/WTVD
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — North Carolina State Senator Mike Woodard officially filed paperwork Wednesday morning so he could run for Durham mayor this year.
Woodard is a long-time Durham Democrat with an extensive history in politics. He served on the Durham City Council from 2005-2012, and he’s been in the state Senate since 2013.
Woodard was considering a run for state treasurer, but he recently told our newsgathering partners at the News and Observer that he felt a pull back to his hometown. An Wednesday, he echoed those sentiments in an interview with ABC11’s Anthony Wilson.
“I think Durham is at a critical juncture. We have so many incredible, incredible opportunities here, but challenges that we want to face, too. With Mayor O’Neal deciding not to seek reelection, it just felt like a perfect time for me to bring my experience, my knowledge and my skills to the mayor’s role. And I’m just excited about Durham’s future,” he said.
The candidate filing period for Durham municipal elections opened July 7. Two other candidates, Charlitta Burruss and Sylvester Williams, have filed to run.
Burruss is a minister who ran for mayor in 2021 and City Council in 2019. Williams is a pastor who has also ran for local office multiple times.
Durham Mayor Pro Tempore Mark-Anthony Middleton is also contemplating a run.
“There are a few more critical conversations that I need to have and will make a final decision afterwards. I should have a decision by this weekend or early next week,” he said.
Current Durham Mayor Elaine O’Neil said in June that she would not run for re-election.
Durham’s municipal elections are set for Nov. 7. However, all of the candidates running will face off in a primary on Oct. 10. The two top vote-getters for each office will then face off in the November election.
Mike Woodard in his own words
Wilson: “Durham’s rapid growth has some people worried that it’s becoming unaffordable for people who don’t have deep pockets. How will you address that?”
Woodard: “We clearly are going to have to address affordable housing for lower wealth residents as well as for our workforce. It’s very hard for the people who work right here in City Hall, our staff, our firefighters, our police officers, our teachers to live in Durham. We want them to live in the community they serve and work in. So, yeah, this is going to be one of my top priorities is continuing the good work we’ve done on affordable housing and doing even more in the years ahead.”