Mike Woodard is a Democrat who represented North Carolina State Senate District 22 from 2013 until losing the Democratic primary in 2024 to challenger Sophia Chitlik. A longtime Durham politician and Duke University administrator, he served as a Durham City Council member from 2005 to 2012 and was known as a moderate Democrat with over 20 years in local politics. Born in Wilson, NC, he resides in Durham with his wife, Sarah.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Attended Duke University in 1981; served as Administrator at Duke University from 1981 to 2013.
• Political Experience:
  • North Carolina State Senator, District 22 .
  • Durham City Council Member .
  • Candidate for NC Senate District 22 in 2020 and 2024 primaries .
  • President, North Carolina Jaycees .
  • Served on committees including Transportation, Select Committee on Nominations, and formerly Agriculture/Environment/Natural Resources, Appropriations, Education/Higher Education, and others.