Michael Wray

Michael H. Wray was born on April 6, 1967, in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. A member of the Democratic Party, he resides in Gaston, North Carolina, with his spouse, Kay, and their two children. Professionally, Wray is a small business owner.

Education

Wray earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Barton College.

Political Experience

Wray served as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives representing the 27th district, which includes constituents in Halifax and Northampton counties. He assumed office on January 1, 2005, succeeding Stanley Fox, and served until January 1, 2025. Before his election to the state House in 2004, Wray served as a town commissioner in Gaston.

During his tenure, Wray was re-elected eight times. He was defeated in the 2024 Democratic primary by Rodney Pierce, who succeeded him in office. Wray previously served as the state House deputy minority whip. His committee leadership roles included serving as Chair of the Ethics Committee, Chair or Senior Chair of the House Finance Committee, and Vice Chair of the Agriculture Committee across various legislative sessions. He also served on committees related to health, insurance, energy, public utilities, and wildlife resources.

Wray was a founding member of the North Carolina Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus in 2011, serving as the group's Democratic Co-Chair in the House. In 2015, he became a charter member of the Main Street Democrats Caucus, a group describing itself as pro-business, moderate Democrats. During the 2016 legislative session, Wray was one of 11 Democrats to vote in favor of House Bill 2.