Voters will decide whether three pivotal seats on North Carolina’s intermediate appellate court stay in Democratic hands or tip the balance further toward Republicans.
Key points
- Three appellate seats up for election could alter a court currently dominated by Republicans.
- Democratic groups argue that maintaining a bipartisan bench is essential for fairness and public trust.
- Incumbent age limits may trigger gubernatorial appointments that affect future partisan balance.
On Nov. 3, 2026, North Carolina voters will choose three judges for the state’s Court of Appeals, the intermediate appellate body that reviews lower‑court decisions for legal errors. The court holds 15 seats, and the three up for election include two incumbents and one open seat.
At present the Court of Appeals is overwhelmingly Republican, with only three of its 15 judges belonging to the Democratic Party. All three of those Democratic seats are on the ballot, meaning the election could reshape the court’s partisan composition.
Current composition and stakes
Among the candidates, Democratic district judge Christine Walczyk is the sole non‑incumbent running for seat 3. She argued the court should reflect the state’s demographics, noting that “if you can’t feel represented, then you’re not going to trust the court’s decisions.” Republican superior‑court judge Craig Collins, also vying for seat 3, framed the contest as a matter of constitutional interpretation rather than party affiliation. Republican contender George Bell (seat 2) warned that appellate judges often vote along party lines, while Republican Michael Byrne (seat 1) emphasized that “they’re not looking at me asking if I’m a Democrat or Republican” when he sits on the bench.
Democratic advocates stress the importance of maintaining a bipartisan bench. Beatrice Beaubrun of North Carolina For The People said losing the three Democratic seats would “ruin that balance” and undermine fairness, especially since the state Supreme Court is also majority Republican. Michael Bitzer, director of the Center for North Carolina Politics & Public Service, reminded voters that the Court of Appeals “shapes what the law means” on a day‑to‑day basis.
Candidates and their perspectives
Incumbent Democratic Justice John Arrowood, who is turning 70 in November, faces a mandatory retirement age of 76. Should he be re‑elected and later retire before completing his eight‑year term, Governor Josh Stein would appoint a successor from the same party, preserving the seat’s partisan alignment.
Although candidates must declare party affiliation, the court’s judges are generally expected to rule impartially. As Democratic incumbent Toby Hampson noted, most decisions are unanimous regardless of the panel’s makeup, underscoring the court’s role as a “second line of defense” against legal errors, according to Beaubrun.
Reader questions
When are the North Carolina Court of Appeals elections held?
The elections take place on November 3, 2026, alongside the statewide midterm ballot.
How many seats on the Court of Appeals are currently held by Democrats?
Democrats hold three of the fifteen seats on the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
What is the mandatory retirement age for judges on the Court of Appeals?
Judges must retire at age 76, as required by state law.
Source: dailytarheel.com
