State Sen. Woodson Bradley, a Democrat, is seeking reelection to North Carolina Senate District 42 in the Nov. 3 general election. Republican Stacie McGinn is also running for the seat, according to BallotReady election data.

Asked why she is running, Bradley said in our candidate questionnaire: "While we did great work these past two years, there is more work I believe I can do. One of my priorities will be the introduction of the North Carolina Domestic Violence Registry."

The following profile is based on Bradley's responses to the Ballantyne Beacon's candidate questionnaire and publicly available records.

Candidate information

Party: "I am affiliated with the Democratic Party," Bradley said in our questionnaire.

Education: "I received by BA in Business and Managerial Economics from Hollins University," Bradley said in our questionnaire.

Family: "I am married to my wonderful husband William, and we have three children, my bonus daughter Shannon, my son Stone, and my daughter Carter," Bradley said in our questionnaire.

Experience and public service

Bradley has served as state senator for District 42 since January 2025, according to her Wikipedia page. She is in her first term.

Asked about her work history, Bradley said in our questionnaire: "I served as a Rotary Fellows Exchange Teacher, worked as a small-business owner, and I am currently a realtor."

Asked about previous and current offices, Bradley said in our questionnaire: "I currently serve as North Carolina State Senator for Senate District 42. I am also a member of Charlotte Rotary and was a board member from 2022-2024. I was recently appointed to Governor Stein's Domestic Violence Commission, and am a member of the Survivor Input Task Force for the Umbrella Center."

Bradley has been involved with Safe Alliance, the Rotary Club of Charlotte and the Mecklenburg County Domestic Violence Speakers Bureau, according to her Wikipedia page.

On the issues

First-term accomplishments: Asked what she accomplished in her first term, Bradley said in our questionnaire: "I introduced the most legislation of any freshman Senator and was a member of our Caucus' leadership … working to get funding for 12 new attorneys in the Mecklenburg District Attorney's office, state funding for the Umbrella Center which will be the largest family justice center on the East Coast, and a pay increase for first responders and teachers."

Cost of living: Asked what legislation she would pursue on cost of living, Bradley said in our questionnaire: "I worked to bring the Grocery Pricing Transparency Act to the floor of the Senate. This bill would prevent algorithmic pricing of groceries … I would also work with the Senate to ensure Duke Power is no longer able to raise rates whenever they deem fit."

Differences from opponents: Asked about critical differences between herself and other candidates, Bradley said in our questionnaire: "I've worked across the aisle to advance commonsense solutions to lower costs and make our communities safer … filing legislation increasing pay for our first responders, ensuring parents are informed about emergency situations at their children's schools, and working to prevent Duke Power and other corporations from passing on costs to customers."

Legislation: Bradley has filed several bills, according to her campaign website. They include the NC Victims of Crime Assistance Act (SB 719), which would create a state fund to support crime victims; the Protect NC Prosperity and Health Act (SB 625), which would create state programs to replace cut federal consumer protection and public safety watchdog services; and the Safe Schools Transparency Act (SB 628), which would require schools to inform parents and law enforcement about serious threats.

Best advice: Asked about the best advice she ever received, Bradley said in our questionnaire: "My grandfather once asked me 'You know what the opposite of love is?' I, as a little kid, said, 'Hate.' He said, 'Nope. It is indifference.' … I promise you I will never be indifferent about this community."