Raleigh, North Carolina - This week, the North Carolina Democratic Party hosted 30 in-person events, all connected by one virtual event, to launch their statewide effort to win judicial races in 2026 - part of their broad goal to re-center the bench on the ballot. Over 900 in-person participants and 150 virtual participants joined together to hear from special guest judges from across the state.  

Last night marked a pivotal moment for justice in North Carolina! The North Carolina Democratic Party isn’t wasting any time. After the dramatic conclusion to a historic race for Justice Allison Riggs’ State Supreme Court seat just last week, they are already elevating their 2026 judicial candidates because Democrats recognize the fight isn’t over. Voters were given a chance to engage directly with those on the bench and witness firsthand the plans Democrats are putting forth to reclaim judicial seats in 2026. These dynamic events occurred in person and on Zoom, creating a powerful network of voices advocating for change. 

Chair Anderson Clayton said it was a testament to the people of North Carolina. “This is what it is all about, showing the GOP that we aren’t scared, nor are we going to allow anyone to attack our judicial officers or our democracy. We have fought hard to keep Justice Allison Riggs in her rightful spot, and we will fight even harder to help North Carolina Justice Anita Earls keep her seat in the 2026 election,” said party chair Anderson Clayton. “The fight is far from over, and the fact that more than 1,000 people showed up and participated in person and on Zoom shows that people are fed up. They are seeing what Republicans are doing to the country and will not stand for it!” 

The events were held on Wednesday from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at various locations.    

Judges attended in towns across the state, including:

N.C. Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs (Forsyth - Winston-Salem)

N.C. Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls (Guilford - Greensboro)

N.C. Court of Appeals Judge Toby Hampson (Franklin County - Louisburg)

N.C. Court of Appeals Judge John Arrowood, District Court Judge Elizabeth Trosch, District Court Judge Jennifer Fleet, and District Court Judge Matthew Newton (Mecklenburg County - Charlotte )

District Court Judge Christine Walczyck, who announced her intention to run for N.C. Court of Appeals (Wake County - Wake Forest)

Former N.C. Supreme Court Justice Sam J. Ervin IV (Burke Co - Morganton)

District Court Judge Todd Roper (Chatham Co - Pittsboro)

District Court Judge Joal Broun (Chatham Co - Siler City)

District Court Judge Jennifer Wells (Dare County - Nagshead)

District Court Judge Carrie Vickery and District Court Judge Whit Davis (Forsyth - Winston-Salem)

District Court Judge Craig James (Johnston - Smithfield)

District Court Judge Tron Faulk Ross (Moore County - Pinehurst)

District Judge Tia Taylor and District Judge Matthew Sperati (Nash County - Rocky Mount)

Judge Robin Wicks Robinson and District Court Judge Melinda Crouch (New Hanover County - Wilmington)

Superior Court Judge Ricardo Jensen (Pender County - Burgaw)

District Court Judge Alicia Slaughter (Wilson Co - Wilson)

District Court Judge Susan “Smitty” Dotson Smith (Bumcombe Co - Asheville)

District Court Judge Frances M. Britt, District Court Judge Cheri Siler-Mack, District Court Judge Tiffany M, Whitfield (Cumberland County - Fayetteville)