Mike served on the Durham City Council from 2005 to 2013 before being elected to the State Senate in 2012. He quickly earned a reputation as a consensus builder and someone who gets things done. In the 2021-22 biennium, Mike passed more legislation than any other Democrat. Mike is co-chair of the Life Sciences Caucus, which has successfully introduced several important bills and appropriations to support this important sector.
Mike has fought for public education, increasing access to healthcare, protecting our environment, improving our infrastructure, and expanding our voting rights. He now looks forward to bringing the Durham community together, looking past political divisions, and addressing our most urgent needs like affordable housing, public safety, and combating the climate crisis.
A STRONG HISTORY
Mike grew up in Wilson and came to Durham to attend Duke University. He was the first person in his family to attend college and, thanks to scholarships and jobs, he worked his way through school. For more than thirty years Mike has served as an administrator at Duke and the Duke Health System, and he worked at Durham Technical Community College as an administrator and instructor.
Mike is married to the Rev. Sarah Woodard, an ordained minister who serves St. Titus' Episcopal Church and as a hospital chaplain. The Woodards have both been active in many civic and community organizations and can often be seen attending events all over town.
RESULTS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
ENVIRONMENT
Audubon Society's Conservation Champion
Sound Rivers' Public Official Conservation Award
League of Conservation Voters' Senator of the Year
League of Conservation Voters' Rising Star
Toxic Free NC's Legislator of the Year
ECONOMY
Chamber of Commerce's "Jobs Champion"
Craft Brewers' Senator of the Year
Goodmon Award for Regional Leadership by a Public Official
EDUCATION
Association of Teacher Assistants' Legislator of the Year
PUBLIC SAFETY
Durham County Honorary Fire Chief Award
North Carolinians Against Gun Violence's Legislative Champion
HEALTHCARE
Paul Luebke Legislative Champion on Mental Health
Association of Rehabilitation Facilities' Legislative Champion
Long Term Care Association's Legislator of the Year
TRANSPORTATION
NC Go's Transportation Champion
HUMAN RIGHTS
Equality NC's Legislator of the Year
Inaugural Reliable Ally Award, Southern Anti-Racism Network