Judicial Voter Guide: 2024 General Election
Table of Contents
- About This Guide
- 4 Appellate Court Contests
- About the Appellate Courts
- Voter Registration
- Candidate Submissions
- NC Supreme Court Associate Justice Seat 6
- Jefferson G. Griffin (Republican)
- Allison Riggs (Democrat)
- NC Seat Court of Appeals Judge Seat 12
- Tom Murry (Republican)
- Carolyn Jennings Thompson (Democrat)
- NC Court of Appeals Judge Seat 14
- Ed Eldred (Democrat)
- Valerie Zachary (Republican)
- NC Court of Appeals Judge Seat 15
- Chris Freeman (Republican)
- Martin E. Moore (Democrat)
- NC Supreme Court Associate Justice Seat 6
About This Guide
Pursuant to Voter education. N.C.G.S. § 163-278.69, the State Board shall publish a Judicial Voter Guide that explains the functions of the appellate courts and the laws concerning the election of appellate judges, the purpose and function of the Public Campaign Fund, and the laws concerning voter registration.
This online guide was created at no cost. Funding for Judicial Voter Guides that are mailed to North Carolina households before the general election comes from the N.C. Public Campaign Fund, which was created by a $3 check-off designation on the state tax form and a $50 surcharge on annual dues paid by members of the North Carolina State Bar. The fund was repealed in 2013. The Judicial Voter Guide will continue to be published until remaining funds are spent.
The order of candidates in this guide is the order in which they will appear on the general election ballot for their contest, which is based on a random drawing conducted according to state law.
The information for each candidate was provided by the candidate. Statements by candidates do not express or reflect the opinions of the State Board of Elections.
4 Appellate Court Contests
One N.C. Supreme Court associate justice contest and three N.C. Court of Appeals judge contests are on the ballot in the 2024 general election, which will be held Nov. 5.
About the Appellate Courts
The N.C. Supreme Court is the state’s highest court. One chief justice and six associate justices review cases from the N.C. Court of Appeals, the N.C. Business Court, and cases in which the death penalty has been imposed. For more information, see Supreme Court of North Carolina.
The N.C. Court of Appeals is the state’s intermediate appellate court. It reviews cases first decided in District and Superior Courts, as well as appeals from administrative agencies. There are a total of 15 judges on the Court of Appeals, and appeals are decided by rotating panels of three judges who consider errors in legal procedures or in judicial interpretation of the law. For more information, see North Carolina Court of Appeals.
Supreme Court justices and Court of Appeals judges serve eight-year terms.
Voter Registration
For information about voter registration, visit the State Board’s Voter Registration Resources page.
Candidate Submissions
NC Supreme Court Associate Justice Seat 6
Place of Residence
Pine Knoll Shores, NC
Education
Northern Nash Sr.; BA, UNC-CH, 2003; JD, NCCU, 2008
Occupation
Judge, NC Court of Appeals; Captain, U.S. Army
Employer
North Carolina, U.S. Army
Date Admitted to the Bar
2008
Legal/Judicial Experience
- Judge, NC Court of Appeals
- Captain, NC Army National Guard
- District Court Judge, Wake County
- Superior Court Mediator, NCDRC Certified
- Attorney, NC Industrial Commission
- Prosecutor, Wake County DA’s Office
- Attorney, Wallace, Morris, Barwick, Landis and Stroud
- Board of Directors, Wake County Bar/10th Judicial District (elected) 2018
- President, Lenoir County Bar (elected) 2009
- Board of Visitors, NCCU Law
Candidate Statement
I believe in the American rule of law, protecting our Constitution, judicial independence, access to justice, civic education, and impartial courts. I believe a judge’s role is to interpret the law, not make the law. My wife is an amazing attorney and an even better mother. My most important job is being the father of our two children. North Carolina is our home. I began my legal career in private practice representing civil and criminal defendants. I joined the Wake County District Attorney’s Office under Colon Willoughby, where I prosecuted cases from infractions to murder. As a District Court Judge, I presided over civil and criminal courtrooms, including family law. I am an Army veteran. As a Judge Advocate, I advised Commanders while deployed to the Middle East supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. I have authored over 200 opinions at the Court of Appeals. I have dedicated my career to serving the citizens of my state and country. I humbly ask for your support and your vote. www.jeffersongriffin.com
Place of Residence
Chatham County, NC
Education
BA, MS and JD, University of Florida
Occupation
Associate Justice, North Carolina Supreme Court
Employer
State of North Carolina
Date Admitted to the Bar
2009
Legal/Judicial Experience
I have served on both the North Carolina Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. I have written dozens of decisions on both courts, building bridges with my colleagues and writing clear, accessible opinions. Prior to my service on the bench, I was a civil rights attorney for 14 years. I worked with communities across the state to fight for fair elections and safe environments, among other work. I am an experienced appellate attorney, arguing in our state appellate courts, Fourth and Fifth Circuit federal appellate courts, and in the US Supreme Court.
Candidate Statement
I have spent my entire career working for equal justice under the law for every North Carolinian. I was honored to represent communities across our state as a civil rights litigator for 14 years. Now as an associate justice on the North Carolina Supreme Court, my approach to my work is grounded in three principles. First, I have a deep respect for our state and federal constitutions and the people who come before our court. Second, I value an independent judiciary that provides checks and balances within our political system. Third, I am committed to building bridges on the court. As a result, I’ve been endorsed by national and statewide organizations, including those focused on labor, environmental and healthcare issues. You can learn more about me at riggsforourcourts.com.
NC Seat Court of Appeals Judge Seat 12
Place of Residence
Cary
Education
- Juris Doctorate (JD), Campbell University School of Law
- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), University of Arkansas College of Pharmacy
Occupation
Assistant District Attorney; Major, Judge Advocate; Adjunct professor of law
Employer
Eleventh Prosecutorial District; NC Army National Guard; Regent University School of Law
Date Admitted to the Bar
2007
Legal/Judicial Experience
- Executive Director, Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board
- Councilmember At-Large, Town of Morrisville
- Representative, NC House District 41
- Judge Advocate, NC Army National Guard
- Chief of Staff/Chief Legal Counsel for External Affairs, NC Judicial Branch
- Chief, Client Services, NC National Guard Legal Assistance Program
- Adjunct teacher, Regent University School of Law
- Assistant District Attorney, Eleventh Prosecutorial District
- Incoming Chair, NC Bar Association Criminal Justice Section
Candidate Statement
Whether as an Army Veteran, former legislator, or State prosecutor, I have earned a reputation as an effective advocate that achieves common sense results. I believe the plain words of our Constitution should serve as the primary guide when interpreting laws. I believe the judiciary is a co-equal branch of government. As a former legislator, I understand separation of powers and believe in judicial restraint. I know how laws are made and as a State prosecutor, I understand how laws are executed in the courtroom. The Judiciary is an independent branch of government. Other branches of government are responsible for policy-making and carrying out laws. I humbly ask for your vote as I seek to serve you as a Judge on the Court of Appeals. jointom.com
Place of Residence
Judge Thompson and her family reside in Granville County, NC.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts: Sociology-Criminal Justice Emphasis, 1990, Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia
- Juris Doctor, 1993, North Carolina Central University School of Law, Durham, North Carolina
- Shaw University School of Divinity, 2006–2008, Matriculated courses as a Master of Divinity degree candidate
Occupation
I currently serve a member of the North Carolina Judiciary serving in seat 12.
Employer
North Carolina Court of Appeals
Date Admitted to the Bar
1996
Legal/Judicial Experience
I have 25+ years of combined legal and judicial experience in civil litigations. I have served as a former District Court judge, Superior Court judge, and Deputy Commissioner for the Industrial Commission. I practiced as a trial attorney and simultaneously protected children from abuse, neglect, and nonsupport of children. I’m also a state-certified mediator for Superior Court cases and cases involving complex family financial disputes. I currently serve in seat 12 of the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
Candidate Statement
I believe that experience matters and Governor Roy Cooper does too. That’s why he appointed me to the NC Court of Appeals. I have authored over 50 opinions for the citizens of our state, many of which have been published. I’ve had the pleasure of not just having Governor Cooper’s endorsement but have earned the endorsement of proven service leaders such as former Congressman G.K. Butterfield and former Congresswoman Eva Clayton and organizations such as Planned Parenthood.
NC Seat Court of Appeals Judge Seat 14
Place of Residence
Carrboro
Education
- JD with honors, UNC-Chapel Hill
- BA in English and History, UNC-Chapel Hill
Occupation
Attorney
Employer
Parry Law
Date Admitted to the Bar
August 2006
Legal/Judicial Experience
- Roster member, NC Appellate & Parent Defender, 2009-present
- Solo practitioner for thirteen years
- Law Clerk, Court of Appeals Chief Judge John C. Martin
- Law Clerk, Court of Appeals Judge Linda Stephens
Candidate Statement
I’ve spent my entire career practicing appellate law, handling more than 300 appeals, filing over a thousand documents and briefs in the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court, and arguing in front of both courts. This experience has well prepared me to serve on the Court of Appeals.
I’ve also spent years helping parents in DSS court fight for their children and families. I’ve represented hundreds of parents in trial courts, and I’m a board-certified specialist in Child Welfare Law.
Most of the people I represent—at trial and on appeal—do not have the financial ability to hire an attorney. I am intimately familiar with both the real-world problems facing those entangled in the court system and the practical implications of an appeal. I recognize an appeal is not a theoretical exercise for the people involved; the outcome has a direct impact on their lives.
Both my undergraduate and law degrees are from the public University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. I have the endorsements of Planned Parenthood, Equality NC, two current Supreme Court Justices, and many others. I’ve been married to Tracy Eldred for twenty-two years, and we have one daughter.
To learn more, visit eldredforjudge.com.
Place of Residence
Yadkinville, NC
Education
Harvard Law School, JD cum laude, 1987; Michigan State University, BA with honors, 1984
Occupation
Judge
Employer
NC Court of Appeals
Date Admitted to the Bar
1988 NC, 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, and Western District of NC; 1992 Middle District of NC; 1993 US Tax Court
Legal/Judicial Experience
- 2015-present: Judge, North Carolina Court of Appeals
- 1989-2015: Zachary Law Offices, Yadkinville, NC
- 1987-1989: Kennedy Covington Lobdell & Hickman (now K&L Gates), Charlotte, NC
- 1986-1987: Research Assistant, Professor Laurence Tribe
Candidate Statement
As an attorney in Charlotte and Yadkin County, I handled a wide variety of cases; accordingly, I bring a different perspective to the Court. As the oldest of five children, I firmly believe in fairness and impartiality. And as one of the longest-serving judges on our appellate courts, I offer experienced leadership. I am currently serving my fourth term on the NC Sentencing Commission and I have authored approximately 600 opinions, which you may review at nccourts.org. In each, I have held fast to the principle that the Court of Appeals is an error-correcting court, tasked with providing a fair forum in which to resolve disputes. As such, it is not the role of its judges to make policy or law. I believe that this is the basis for the broad bipartisan support that I have received. Thank you for your consideration of my candidacy. reelectjudgezachary.com.
NC Seat Court of Appeals Judge Seat 15
Place of Residence
Rockingham County
Education
High Point University; Regent University
Occupation
District Court Judge for Rockingham and Caswell Counties; Captain in the Air Force JAG Reserves
Employer
North Carolina; United States Air Force
Date Admitted to the Bar
2006
Legal/Judicial Experience
- Third term District Court Judge who upholds the constitution, follows the law, and delivers justice without delay.
- Served eight years as an Assistant District Attorney in Rockingham County, trying misdemeanors and felonies before judges and juries.
- Served since 2013, in the Air Force Reserves as a JAG officer providing legal assistance, writing legal reviews, and assisting with court-martials. Promoting to the rank of Major in October 2024.
Candidate Statement
- Conservative, Christian, Republican, born in North Carolina.
- High Point University and Regent University School of Law graduate.
- Community involvement:
- Member: Osborne Baptist Church in Eden, NC, and Eden Kiwanis
- Board member: Betsy Jeff-Penn 4H Center, Monroeton Volunteer Fire Department, NWTF, and United Way.
- Fair and respectful to all, on and off the bench.
- Service to my county and country is an honor and a blessing to me – for 17 years I have served as (prosecutor, judge, and military officer).
- I look forward to bringing my conservative judicial philosophy to the appellate court.
- I will support and uphold the constitution, I will follow the law as written, and I will not legislate from the bench.
I respectfully ask for your vote on November 5, 2024.
For more information please visit: chrisfreemanforjudge.com, and my Facebook page.
Place of Residence
Arden, NC.
Education
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Political Science and Philosophy)
- University of North Carolina School of Law, J.D.
Occupation
- County Commissioner
- Attorney - mediation and appellate law
Employer
- Buncombe County Government (elected)
- Self-Employed/The Law Office of Martin E. Moore, PLLC
Date Admitted to the Bar
April 2014
Legal/Judicial Experience
- Buncombe County Public Defender’s Office - juvenile, misdemeanor, and felony cases
- Van Winkle, Buck, Wall, Starnes, & Davis - state and federal civil litigation, employment law, land use
- The Law Office of Martin E. Moore, PLLC - appellate, mediation, and federal court
- 2023 Pro Bono Honor Society
- Guest Lecturer - Crisis Intervention Training for Law Enforcement and First Responders “Assessment & Involuntary Commitments Hearings” - 2022 - Present
Candidate Statement
Our Constitution requires that judges commit to hearing cases on the merits and putting aside partisan agendas. I am running because I believe that an independent court where the rules apply to everyone is essential. My experience working on complex civil and criminal cases in state, appellate, and federal courts have prepared me to serve on the Court of Appeals.
Our judiciary is strongest when it includes a diverse set of experiences and backgrounds and our state deserves judges committed to integrity, fairness, and equal justice for all. Every person should feel confident that their judges will hear their case and rule on the merits, not focus on partisanship and extremist beliefs.
I look forward to serving the people of North Carolina - martinforjudge.com
Endorsements:
- Justice Allison Riggs
- Justice Anita Earls
- Sheriff Quentin Miller
- Planned Parenthood
- Durham’s People’s Alliance