2026 General Election: November 3, 2026. New info launches early October.
Matt Newton
Party:
Democrat
Incumbent:
Yes
Age:
Approximately 45
Previous experience in elected office:
District Court Judge (NC-26) (2023-present); Charlotte City Council Member (NC-5) (2017-2022)
Occupation:
District court judge
Description:
Newton is running for a second term as a district court judge. He was previously an attorney in private practice and a member of the Charlotte City Council, where he represented east Charlotte. He presides over domestic violence, criminal and family law court. He aspires to "continue serving our great community and to ensure that the County Courthouse is a place where equality and justice prevails for all."
Other personal:
Newton describes himself as a lifelong Charlotte resident who graduated from Myers Park High School. He graduated from high school at age 16 and college at 19. He received a bachelor's from UNC Wilmington and a JD from Thomas Jefferson School of Law (in San Diego).
Review of Candidate Rulings (Source: Wake Forest School of Law Pro Bono Project)
There are no published judicial decisions available to assess his judicial philosophy. He worked as an attorney for 15 years and volunteered at a domestic violence clinic in law school. He has also worked on several Charlotte-area councils and boards. He does not have any criminal convictions in North Carolina and has never been disciplined by the State Bar.