I have known Clarence Birkhead for thirty years and worked with him for many of those, first when he was a detective with DUPD and later as chief of police.  He has always been accessible, fair and engaged.  I believe his experience and judgment, his training and education, and his ability to build an inclusive coalition will serve all of us in Durham as our sheriff.  There are many challenges ahead as Durham continues to grow and some of our residents feel marginalized and forgotten.  I believe Clarence Birkhead is the right person at the right time in Durham to bring our communities together and address the issues and injustices that have lingered for too long.  That’s why I voted for him and urge you to do so as well.

Chuck Catotti

I’m voting for Toby Hampson because he is far and away the best-qualified person in the race for Seat 2 on the NC Court of Appeals.

Toby has the right experience necessary to serve on the Court. He is professionally certified as an Appellate Specialist and clerked at the Court for Judges Eddie Greene, Bob Hunter, and our own Wanda Bryant.

Toby leads the Appellate Practice Group at his law firm where he handles all types of appeals before the Court. He is regularly recognized by his peers as one of the top appellate lawyers in North Carolina.

As I’ve also gotten to know Toby, I have been thoroughly impressed with his passion for the work of appellate courts, his commitment to the independence of our judiciary, and how much he cares about ensuring everyone that comes in contact with our judicial system is treated fairly and with respect.

The statewide judicial races are critical this year. It is vital we elect the right people with the right experience to our courts. Toby is one of those people, and that’s why he has my strongest endorsement and has earned my vote.

Please join me in electing Toby Hampson to the Court of Appeals.

Senator Mike Woodard

I’m proud to support my friend Judge John Arrowood for the North Carolina Court of Appeals. John Arrowood currently serves on the North Carolina Court of Appeals, having been appointed by Governor Cooper to fill a vacancy in April 2017. He is eminently qualified for a full term on the court.

I know that John has the experience and integrity for the job. His extensive legal record, which includes serving on the Court of Appeals from 2007 to 2008, paints a picture of someone who is deeply committed to administering justice equally and fairly to all.

John is originally from rural Yancey County. He lost both of his parents at the young age of 15 and moved to Caldwell County to live with his brother, sister-in-law, and six-year-old niece. John was educated in North Carolina public schools and went on to become the first in his family to obtain a 4-year degree. After graduating from the UNC Chapel Hill School of Law, he was a staff member on the Court of Appeals and worked in private practice for nearly three decades. Throughout this time, John was involved in numerous community, civic, and religious organizations. His priority has always been serving the people of North Carolina. John was a member of the board of the North Carolina Railroad, the North Carolina Banking Commission, the North Carolina Rules Review Commission, and the North Carolina Arts Council.

Judge John Arrowood is exactly who we need on the North Carolina Court of Appeals. He is and has always been a fair and honorable judge, and his depth of experience would greatly benefit the Court and the people of North Carolina.

I have known Assistant District Attorney Clayton Jones since he first became a licensed attorney 15 years ago. Since that time I have watched him mature into a hardworking, humble, and caring attorney. It is clear to me that he strives for excellence with every case that he handles. During my time as a Superior Court Judge in Durham County, I have had many opportunities to observe Attorney Jones in court. He is always punctual and prepared. He has a strong reputation in the
Durham County legal community for being a fair and professional attorney.

I fully support Attorney Jones as Durham County’s next District Court Judge. Having been a judge for twenty years, I know what it takes for an attorney to become a good judge. An attorney must have knowledge of the law, patience, and mercy. Attorney Jones has all of these characteristics. He also is in the unique position to have worked as both an Assistant Public Defender and an Assistant
District Attorney in Durham County. I believe that his experience in both of these positions will ensure that he is fair to all people who appear before him. Having served in those positions has given him the opportunity to experience cases from both sides. I have seen him advocate zealously for defendants as a public defender and now for victims as an assistant district attorney. It is for these reasons that I am confident that Clayton Jones will be an excellent judge.