Governor Stein Appointed Three North Carolina Judges
Governor Josh Stein filled three judicial vacancies across District and Superior Court seats in the state.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in People
Governor Josh Stein announced the appointment of three new judges to North Carolina court positions. These selections fill vacancies left by the recent retirements of three outgoing judges.
Why it matters
The appointments ensure that North Carolina maintains full judicial staffing across three separate judicial districts. These roles are critical for the administration of justice in the areas served by these courts.
Governor Josh Stein appointed three judges to fill vacancies in Judicial Districts 5, 31B, and 26. These positions were left open following the retirements of Henry Stevens, David Hall, and Tyyawdi Hands.
The players
Josh Stein
Josh Stein is the Governor of North Carolina who holds the executive authority to fill judicial vacancies.
Robert Gilmore
Robert Gilmore is an attorney appointed to serve as a Superior Court judge for Judicial District 5.
Carrie Vickery
Carrie Vickery is an attorney appointed to serve as a Superior Court judge for Judicial District 31B.
Kimberly Best
Kimberly Best is an attorney appointed to serve as a District Court judge for Judicial District 26.
The details
Robert Gilmore was named as the Superior Court judge for Judicial District 5, which covers Duplin, Jones, Onslow, and Sampson counties. Carrie Vickery will serve as the Superior Court judge for Judicial District 31B in Forsyth County, while Kimberly Best was appointed as the District Court judge for Judicial District 26 in Mecklenburg County.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: Governor Josh Stein announced the three judicial appointments.
Market Landscape
The appointments operate within the established framework of the North Carolina Constitution's judicial appointment provisions. This action maintains the state's legal infrastructure by ensuring leadership transitions in local courts follow the legal mandate for filling mid-term vacancies.
Residents in the affected districts will interact with these newly appointed judges for all pending and future court matters. These changes ensure the continued operation of local judicial services without disruption.
The takeaway
These appointments signify a routine transition in the state's judicial branch following the retirement of three long-serving officials. Residents should monitor local court calendars for any potential procedural adjustments as new judges assume their dockets.
Further reading
Learn more about local leadership shifts in the North Carolina People section.
