Mike Kondratick Announces Candidacy for Holly Springs Mayor

Longtime resident and public affairs professional enters mayoral race as four candidates emerge for three open Town Council seats in Holly Springs.

Photo courtesy of Kondratick for Holly Springs

Holly Springs, NC, Jun. 6, 2025 — Mike Kondratick, a 12-year Holly Springs resident, father of three, and local small business owner, has officially announced (press release) his campaign for mayor in the upcoming November 2025 Holly Springs municipal election. Kondratick is the first — and so far the only — candidate to declare a run for the mayor’s seat currently held by Sean Mayefskie.

In his announcement, Kondratick positioned himself as a candidate who would prioritize resident-centered leadership.

“Holly Springs residents need a mayor who is focused on their needs. That’s why I’m running,” Mike said.

“Holly Springs’ growth must benefit residents. This year, they will have a choice in how growth is managed. I’m advocating for changing our approach from
‘Development at all costs’ to
‘Development when it’s worth the cost.’”

Kondratick added that a “more thoughtful and measured approach to development, combined with other measures aimed at reducing traffic, will create more sustainable growth and make Holly Springs an easier and more affordable place to live.”

He also committed to transparency and approachability as a public official.

“The mayor needs to be in the community asking for our residents’ feedback. We should know exactly where residents stand before important decisions are made. As mayor, I want residents to feel they can reach me as easily as they would any neighbor.”

Professional Background

Kondratick brings over two decades of experience in public affairs, with a focus on patient advocacy and healthcare. For six years, he was the Director of Grassroots Advocacy for JDRF, where his efforts helped raise nearly $2 billion for diabetes research. As a co-founder of Relate Advocacy in Raleigh, NC, he has provided communications counsel to organizations such as the i2i Center for Integrative Health, the North Carolina Optometric Society, and the Foundation for Health Leadership and Innovation. Before starting Relate, Mike served as a Vice President at Capstrat in Raleigh, creating communications strategies for clients including Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and the University of Virginia Medical Center. He also ran for the Virginia State Legislature in 2011 and earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Lehigh University.

Community Involvement

Beyond his professional endeavors, Kondratick and his wife, Mandy, have raised their three children in Holly Springs. He has volunteered with the Holly Springs Food Cupboard, coached youth sports with the Parks and Recreation Department, and graduated from the town’s Citizen Police Academy. He has served on the board of his kids’ swim club and worked with The Open Table, a nonprofit supporting youth aging out of foster care.

Residents can learn more at MikeforHS.com or contact him at MikeforHS2025@gmail.com or 984-383-7509.

Town Council Race Gains Momentum

While the mayoral race remains uncontested, the Town Council election is shaping up to be a competitive one. Four candidates have announced their intention to run for the three at-large seats up for election this year:

• Annie Drees, the only incumbent so far to confirm a run, is seeking a second term on the council.

• Joe Cuccurullo, a first-time candidate, brings private sector experience and a history of civic involvement.

• Kara Foster, also a newcomer, has emphasized sustainable growth and transparency.

• Josh Prizer, the latest to join the race, recently announced his candidacy with a focus on long-term planning and community connection.

The three seats up for election are currently held by Dan Berry, Tim Forrest, and Annie Drees. Neither Berry nor Forrest has publicly announced re-election plans as of this writing.

Mayor’s Role and Council Structure

The mayor of Holly Springs presides over a five-member Town Council. While the mayor does not vote on most agenda items, the position holds influence through its leadership of meetings, agenda-setting, and regional representation. The Town Council enacts policy, approves budgets, and makes development-related decisions. All council seats, including the mayor’s, are elected at-large on staggered four-year terms.

Mayefskie's First Term

Mayor Sean Mayefskie was elected in 2021 after unseating longtime Mayor Dick Sears, who had served for two decades. Mayefskie’s first term has featured high-profile issues, including major industrial recruitment, utility billing reform, and infrastructure expansion. He has not yet announced whether he will seek a second term.

Election Timeline

According to the Wake County Board of Elections, the official candidate filing period opens at noon on Friday, July 5, 2025, and closes at noon on Friday, July 19, 2025. Candidate announcements, such as those from Kondratick, Drees, Cuccurullo, Foster, and Prizer, are public declarations of intent but not yet official.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. If no additional candidates file, the mayoral race could be uncontested, though the Town Council election already promises a competitive ballot.