2026 General Election: November 3, 2026. New info launches early October.
John S. Arrowood
Party:
Democrat
Incumbent:
Yes
Age:
69
Previous experience in elected office:
North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge (2017-present); North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge (2007-2008); Special Superior Court Judge (2007)
Occupation:
N.C. Court of Appeals Judge
Description:
Arrowood’s campaign focuses on judicial independence, fairness and equal access to justice. He has emphasized protecting constitutional rights and ensuring that courts remain impartial and free from political influence. Arrowood has pointed to his years of appellate judicial experience and his record of written opinions as evidence of his qualifications. He has also highlighted his support for fair redistricting and judicial transparency. Arrowood has been endorsed by progressive legal and voting rights organizations and was the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to statewide office in North Carolina.
Other personal:
Arrowood was born in Burnsville and lives in Charlotte. His parents passed away when he was 15. He has been active in civic and legal organizations throughout North Carolina. He was on the Board of Trustees for the Mint Museum of Art and on the board of the Charlotte Urban Ministry Center. He earned a B.A. from Catawba College and a JD from UNC Chapel Hill.