Wiley Nickel is Wake County’s District Attorney-elect. As a father, husband, attorney, state senator, and Congressman for North Carolina, he’s committed his life to public service and fighting for working families.
Working for President Obama, Wiley learned that real leaders fight for the change they want to see in the world. He’s dedicated his career to defending our rights, strengthening democracy, and improving public safety.
After working for President Obama, Wiley started a family and opened his own law practice in Wake County, helping people from marginalized and underserved communities navigate a criminal justice system that doesn’t always treat everyone fairly. His practice won cases for clients who were unfairly targeted because of their race, gender, or sexual orientation.
Before serving in Congress, Wiley served two terms in the North Carolina State Senate, where he led efforts to defend voting rights, increase support for police and firefighters, crack down on corporate price gouging, improve child literacy and expand access to affordable health care.
In 2022, he ran for Congress and flipped a red seat blue against a Trump-backed opponent, one of just six flips in the country.
Representing North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District from 2023 to 2025, Wiley led efforts to protect abortion access, lower prescription drug costs, and end partisan gerrymandering. He brought back millions of dollars for North Carolina law enforcement and championed more funding for police and first responders.
When Republicans gerrymandered his district, Wiley led the fight to end partisan gerrymandering in the U.S. Congress, authoring the FAIR MAPS Act. He ran for Wake County District Attorney because he knows we can do more to fight crime and keep Wake County safe.
Wiley was elected in November 2026 and takes office January 1st, 2027. As District Attorney, he’ll keep fighting to protect our rights and make sure our justice system works fairly for everyone.
Wiley and his wife, Caroline, live in Cary with their two young children.
