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Sophia Chitlik vows to stay in Durham as she runs for re-election
The incumbent state senator is focused on building a broad coalition and listening to community voices.
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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Sophia Chitlik, the incumbent District 22 state senator, is running for re-election and vowing to stay in Durham, where she has lived for nearly a decade. Chitlik, who was first elected in 2024, is endorsed by progressive groups and touts her work on policies for women, children and families, as well as her efforts to protect against immigration enforcement and challenge the Republican supermajority. She regularly interacts with constituents, including by passing out snacks at polling sites during early voting.
Why it matters
Chitlik's campaign highlights the importance of community engagement and responsiveness from elected officials, especially in a rapidly changing city like Durham where longtime residents are concerned about affordability and displacement. Her focus on building a broad coalition and lifting up diverse voices could serve as a model for other local and state-level campaigns.
The details
Chitlik, who has lived in Durham since 2017, faces criticism from some constituents that she hasn't been visible enough in the community. To address this, she regularly visits polling sites during early voting to talk with voters and pass out snacks. She has also introduced property tax relief measures for seniors to help make Durham more affordable. Chitlik touts her work on policies for women, children and families, as well as her efforts to protect against immigration enforcement and challenge the Republican supermajority in the state legislature.
- Early voting ends on February 28, 2026.
- Election Day is on March 3, 2026.
The players
Sophia Chitlik
The incumbent District 22 state senator who is running for re-election.
DeDreana Freeman
Chitlik's opponent in the state senate race.
Josh Stein
The governor of North Carolina, whose vetoes Chitlik has consistently voted to uphold.
Mike Woodard
The previous state senator for District 22, whom Chitlik criticized in her 2024 campaign.
Amy Bryant
An obstetrician and gynecologist who has advised Chitlik on maximizing access to reproductive healthcare.
What they’re saying
“I have no qualms at all about her record of voting and supporting legislation in favor of not just reproductive freedom, but all maternal health.”
— Amy Bryant, Obstetrician and Gynecologist (9thstreetjournal.org)
“She really stands out for being very principled and sticking to her values, but also developing working relationships where there's common interest, even with folks who she may have serious political disagreements with.”
— Lisa Grafstein, State Senator (9thstreetjournal.org)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
Chitlik's campaign highlights the importance of community engagement and responsiveness from elected officials, especially in a rapidly changing city like Durham where longtime residents are concerned about affordability and displacement. Her focus on building a broad coalition and lifting up diverse voices could serve as a model for other local and state-level campaigns.
