N.C. Supreme Court Associate Justice Seat 1

North Carolina Supreme Court justices are statewide roles, meaning voters across all 100 counties in North Carolina vote in these races. The Supreme Court of North Carolina is the state’s highest court. It is composed of the Chief Justice and six associate justices. This is the only N.C. Supreme Court seat up for election this term. Three seats will be up for election in 2028.

Requirements and duties:

• Each justice serves an eight-year term and must be licensed to practice law in North Carolina.

• Justices face mandatory retirement at age 76. 

• The Supreme Court has no jury and makes no determinations of fact; rather, it considers whether error occurred at trial or in judicial interpretation of the law. 

• The Supreme Court plays a major role in shaping legal precedent in North Carolina and often hears cases involving constitutional rights, criminal justice, redistricting and disputes about the state legislature.

Incumbent Democrat Anita Earls is seeking a second term. She faces former N.C. House Rep. Sarah Stevens, who is a Republican. (Fun fact: the candidates appear to have been born five days apart.) There are five Republicans on the N.C. Supreme Court, and Earls is one of two Democrats. This is expected to be a heavily contested race; both candidates have collectively raised millions for their campaigns. 

N.C. Supreme Court Associate Justice Seat 1 Candidates