Joyce Waddell

Party:

Democrat

Incumbent:

Yes

Age:

Previous experience in elected office:

N.C. Senate District 40 (2015-present); former Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education member

Occupation:

N.C. Senator

Description:

Waddell's legislative priorities include public education, affordable housing, healthcare access and support for women and families. She has advocated for fully funding public schools, expanding pre-kindergarten programs, restoring educator benefits and increasing educational opportunities for students. In the 2025–26 legislative session, Waddell was the primary sponsor of legislation that would appropriate $500,000 in recurring funds for 2025–26 and $2 million in recurring funds for 2026–27 to the Department of State Treasurer to help offset rising costs in the North Carolina State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees. She also supports Medicaid expansion and has said that affordable housing and preventing homelessness are major priorities for her district. Waddell has emphasized working across party lines to pass legislation that benefits North Carolina communities.

Other personal:

Waddell was born in Mullins, South Carolina, and lives in Charlotte. She is the first African-American woman to serve in the N.C. Senate from Mecklenburg County. She is the widow of Dr. E.E. Waddell, a longtime Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools administrator and superintendent. Waddell High School is named after him. She was a CMS teacher for two decades. She also served on the CMS Board of Education and has been active with Leadership Charlotte, education initiatives, student wellness programs and housing advocacy. She earned a bachelor's degree from South Carolina State University, master's degrees from UNC Charlotte (where the student health center is named after her), N.C. A&T, and Appalachian State University, and a Ph.D. from UNC Greensboro.