Gaston businessman Michael Wray, a Democrat, announced today that he will seek election to his long-held seat in North Carolina House District 27, which includes Halifax, Northampton, and Warren counties.

“This campaign is about standing up for the people in our district.  It’s about results — not rhetoric,” said Wray, who served 20 years in the General Assembly before losing the Democratic nomination by less than 25 votes in the March 2024 primary.

“During my tenure in the NC House, I have brought home more than $200 million in state funds for local projects and programs. These funds have been used by local governments, county governments, nonprofit organizations and community groups to help our residents right here at home,” he said. “I am not going to apologize for working in the back rooms of the state legislature to make sure that our region gets money from the state budget. Meanwhile, my opponent hasn’t passed a single bill or gotten a single penny for our district.”

As a state lawmaker, Mr. Wray was instrumental in the passage of Medicaid Expansion, which provided healthcare coverage to more than 20,000 residents in the district and more than 600,000 residents across the state.  “Now, more than ever, we are going to need representation in Raleigh who can get things done.  We need someone who will work to protect rural communities and provide affordable healthcare. I will go to Raleigh and fight for the people in Halifax, Northampton, and Warren counties.  We need someone in the state house who can stand up and make sure we are represented. I am proud to call Northampton County home and my mission in politics has been to make sure our region gets what’s due in state funding.”

Wray is a small businessman who operates an insurance agency and hardware store in Gaston.  He and his family are also involved in the timber industry and some farming operations.