Mary Woodson Gardner Bradley

Current office and 2026 campaign

Mary Woodson Gardner Bradley, who serves as Woodson Bradley, is the Democratic incumbent for North Carolina State Senate District 42, representing the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. She won the November 2024 general election by a margin of approximately 210 votes and is a sitting senator in the 2025–2026 session. She is running for reelection in 2026 against Republican challenger Stacie McGinn.

Bradley's advocacy is significantly shaped by her experience as a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault. She has focused on strengthening North Carolina's social services and support systems for survivors and families.

Background and education

Bradley was born on February 5, 1973. Her mother was a public school teacher and her father worked as a social worker in the Juvenile Court System. She graduated from Hollins University in 1995 with degrees in Economics and Business Administration, and completed coursework in Environmental Economics at the University of Sydney in Australia.

Career

Bradley is a residential real estate broker and small business owner in Charlotte. In 2008, Forbes listed her among the "Most Dependable Real Estate Professionals." She also teaches fitness at the Greater Charlotte YMCA.

Bradley serves on the planning board for the Mecklenburg County Family Justice Center. She is an active member of the Rotary Club of Charlotte, has served as NC Special Olympics Fall Games Venue Manager for more than 10 years, and teaches teen dating violence prevention curriculum in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

Family

Bradley is married and is a mother. She has served as Parent Booster President for the Marine Corps JROTC Program at a Charlotte-Mecklenburg school.

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