David A. Phillips

Party:

Republican

Incumbent:

Yes

Age:

Approximately 67

Previous experience in elected office:

Superior Court Judge (2018-present); Gaston County Board of Education

Occupation:

Superior court judge

Description:

Before joining the bench, Phillips practiced criminal law in Gaston County for more than 20 years. He says he has presided over thousands of criminal cases, including complex felony and murder trials. He said in a Gaston Gazette article that he tries to emulate his father, who was also a judge, and treat everyone with fairness. He has been registered as both a Republican and a Democrat in the past. He was appointed to the Superior Court in 2018 by then-Gov. Roy Cooper.

Review of Candidate Rulings (Source: Wake Forest University School of Law Pro Bono Project):

A review of appellate decisions identified one case in which Phillips's order was vacated on appeal. He does not have any criminal convictions in North Carolina and has never been disciplined by the State Bar.

Other personal:

Phillips is a lifelong Gaston County resident and lives in Belmont with his wife, Paula. They have three children. His father was a district court judge. He wore his father's robe when he was sworn in as superior court judge. He attended North Gaston High School and graduated from Appalachian State University and Mercer University School of Law (in Georgia).