North Carolina Voters Will Elect Appeals Judges in 2026
The outcome of the November 2026 election could potentially place every seat on the Court of Appeals under Republican control.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Law
Live Poll
Do you believe state courts should have a balance of judges from different political parties?
North Carolina voters will decide the future of the state's 15-judge Court of Appeals during the November 2026 general election. The ballot will feature three contested seats currently held by Democrats, which could shift the court to total one-party control.
Why it matters
The election results will determine the ideological balance of the state's appellate judiciary for the next eight-year term. A sweep of these seats by Republicans could solidify a conservative majority across North Carolina's highest judicial levels.
The North Carolina Court of Appeals consists of 15 judges who serve eight-year terms. Three seats currently held by Democrats will be on the ballot in November 2026.
The players
John Arrowood
He has served as a judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals since 2017.
Toby Hampson
He has served as a judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals since 2018.
George Cooper Bell
He currently serves as a Superior Court judge in Mecklenburg County.
Craig Collins
He is a Superior Court judge based in Gaston County.
Christine Marie Walczyk
She has served as a trial judge for more than 19 years in Wake County.
The details
Judges on the Court of Appeals hear cases in rotating panels to interpret state law. The 2026 contest includes several potential candidates, including current judges such as John Arrowood and Toby Hampson, as well as superior court judges like George Cooper Bell and Craig Collins.
Timeline
Craig Collins served as an Assistant District Attorney from 1997-2006.
John Arrowood began his service on the Court of Appeals in 2017.
Toby Hampson began his service as an Appeals judge in 2018.
Court of Appeals candidates will appear on the ballot in November 2026.
The earliest year Democrats could gain another seat is 2028.
Political Context
Opponents of total party consolidation argue that a balanced judiciary is essential for impartial review. This election follows the trajectory of the North Carolina Supreme Court's current 5-2 Republican majority, which critics claim could be extended to 6-1 following these results.
The results of these elections determine which judges preside over the state's appellate proceedings, directly influencing the interpretation of North Carolina law. Voters should note that these seats carry eight-year terms, meaning these choices will remain in effect for nearly a decade.
The takeaway
North Carolina voters face a consequential choice in 2026 that will shape the composition of the appellate bench for the long term. Researching the records and backgrounds of judicial candidates is the most effective way for citizens to prepare for the upcoming ballot.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's Law framework and judicial election process.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WFAE 90.7 - Charlotte's NPR News Source.
Live Poll
Do you believe state courts should have a balance of judges from different political parties?
