2026 General Election: November 3, 2026. New info launches early October.
Kimberly Y. Best
Party:
Democrat
Incumbent:
No
Age:
Approximately 56
Previous experience in elected office:
Superior Court Judge (2021-22); District Court Judge (NC-26) (2009 - 2021); Magistrate (1998-2003)
Occupation:
Attorney
Description:
Best has been a magistrate, and a district and superior court judge in the past. Best's adversaries claim that many of her decisions have been overturned by the Court of Appeals. Best was involved in a domestic violence case with an individual having an affair with her husband and another incident when local media reported she allegedly pushed a delivery truck driver near the courthouse. She sued another judge for defamation following the delivery driver incident. Best lost an election bid in 2022 for a superior court judge seat by fewer than 80 votes against Republican Matt Osman.
Other personal:
Best is from the Detroit area. She is divorced and has an adopted child. Best studied abroad in Spain, Argentina and Costa Rica during her time in college. She is a former Spanish teacher at JT Williams Middle School. She received a B.A. from the University of Michigan, an MBA from UNC Charlotte and a JD from Indiana University.
Review of Candidate Rulings (Source: Wake Forest School of Law Pro Bono Project)
Her cases on the NC Superior Court have reflected a strong adherence to statutory mandates and precedent, emphasizing enforceability of child support related orders to protect child welfare. Her decisions are detailed and typically include clear and detailed findings of fact. She emphasizes protecting vulnerable parties and considers the parties’ financial circumstances when making decisions. She has awarded attorney’s fees to parties who act in good faith and has used contempt to ensure her orders are followed. She does not have any criminal convictions in North Carolina and has never been disciplined by the State Bar. A review of appellate decisions identified one case in which Judge Best's order was vacated on appeal and one case in which her order was reversed on appeal.