Long-time North Carolina State Senator Mike Woodard has officially entered the race for mayor of Durham. Woodard, a Democrat who has represented Durham in the General Assembly since 2013, previously served on the Durham City Council. His entry into the mayoral race follows current Mayor Elaine O'Neal's announcement last month that she would not seek re-election.
The mayoral race is heating up, with at least three candidates formally filing since the process opened last week. Durham's nonpartisan primary election in October will narrow the field to the top two contenders, who will then face off in the November general election.
Woodard, 64, has confirmed his intention to continue serving in the State Senate throughout the mayoral campaign. He would resign from his Senate seat only if elected mayor. Should he lose the mayoral bid, he would retain his Senate seat, as his current term extends through 2024.
In recent statements to the media, Woodard revealed he had been encouraged to run for mayor by numerous Durham residents and community leaders. He expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, citing Durham's potential and acknowledging the challenges ahead. He also emphasized his longstanding interest in local government.
In addition to Woodard, community activist Charlitta Burruss and Sylvester Williams have also filed for candidacy. Both Burruss and Williams have previously campaigned for the Durham mayoral position.
