Fwd: It’s all about 2026.
A Note from Judge Toby Hampson.
Yesterday, I got the email below from Judge Toby Hampson’s campaign. He is one of the candidates on our 2026 NC Judicial Slate. I edited it slightly to highlight the key takeaway — if we want a Democratic majority in our North Carolina appellate courts, which is possible by 2028, we must defend all four state-wide judicial seats that Democrats currently hold.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Judge Toby Hampson <toby@judgetobyhampson.com>
Date: Mon, Jul 20, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Subject: It’s all about 2026.
To: <jd@jdwooten.com>
Hello J.D.,
Here’s the reality: this year, the last three Democratic-held seats on the North Carolina Court of Appeals are on the ballot. We can ONLY take back the majority on the Court in 2028, if we protect these three seats in 2026. That means winning the Courts back in 2028 depends on us winning this year.
It’s critical we elect judges who have the right experience, a passion for the hard work of the Court, and who understand our judicial system only works when it serves the people and not an extreme partisan agenda.
Every time I sit on the bench, my goal is to stand up for the rule of law. Now, I ask you to stand with me.
Best,
Judge Toby Hampson
I am also a sucker for a good graphic, and I like the one his team put together above. Democrats currently hold 2 of the 7 seats on the Supreme Court and 3 of the 15 seats on the Court of Appeals. Four of those 5 seats held by Democrats are on the ballot this year. If Democrats win all four races this year, that clears a path to restoring majorities on both courts that will protect and defend democratic norms.
Unfortunately, that also means that if we lose all 4 of those races, Justice Allison Riggs will be the only remaining Democrat serving on a North Carolina appellate court at any level. I am a huge fan of Justice Riggs, but even she cannot do this alone!
So, if we want to protect the rule of law and democratic norms, we must elect all 4 judges on the 2026 NC Judicial Slate. Please consider supporting them today if you haven’t already (or again, that’s great too)!
