Mary Gardner Belk is a Democratic member of the North Carolina General Assembly representing District 88 in Southeast Mecklenburg County. A Charlotte native raised as one of eight children during school integration, she has a lifelong commitment to public service, community advocacy, and family values like hard work and equality. She currently serves as House Democratic Joint Caucus Chair and is a member of the Progressive House Caucus. Her notable positions include work on Transportation, Banking, and Justice and Public Safety Appropriations Committees, with a focus on strong public schools, safe neighborhoods, healthy communities, education, food security, and refugee support. She is in her fifth term in the House and operates as a partner at New River Retreat Properties LLC.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Earned a degree in political science with honors after returning to college.
• Political Experience: Elected to the North Carolina House in 2017 ; now serving 2025-2026 session. Longtime community involvement includes the Dilworth Community Development Association and efforts with her mother to elect leaders, alongside building her family business. She advocates hands-on for Mecklenburg County residents as a proven leader checking Republican majorities and prioritizing community needs.