2026 Democratic Ballot: NC Court Of Appeals Judge Seat 3

The Democratic primary for Seat Three on the North Carolina Court of Appeals features two candidates offering distinct paths to the bench: James Weldon Whalen and Christine Walczyk. As a statewide court that reviews thousands of civil and criminal cases each year—and now has the final word in the vast majority of appeals—its decisions shape fundamental issues ranging from voting rights to public education and constitutional protections. This race highlights differing professional backgrounds and judicial philosophies at a time when the role and independence of the courts are central topics in public debate.Whalen, an appellate attorney who previously served in the North Carolina Department of Justice and now practices in private law, centers his campaign on defending constitutional rights and checking what he describes as abuses of political power. He points to his work fighting gerrymandering, supporting public school funding, and helping defend a state Supreme Court election outcome as evidence of his appellate experience. Walczyk, by contrast, brings 18 years of experience as a Wake County district court judge, including leadership roles in family and civil court. She emphasizes her record of issuing fair, timely, and nonpartisan decisions, her commitment to equal treatment under the law, and her belief that judges must remain independent from political pressure.NC Court of Appeals Judge Seat 3 CandidatesJames Weldon Whalen: Campaign Finance Report----Facebook/Instagram/X/Bluesky/Threads/TikTok/LinkedInChristine Marie Walczyk: Campaign Finance Report----Facebook/Instagram2026 Voters' Guide for Southern Wake CountyVoter Information (Register, Am I Registered?, Election Information) Voter Info (Designated Polling Places, Sample Ballots, Registration Status, Voting Jurisdiction, Verify Address and Party Affiliation) Election Information (Absentee by Mail Voting, Early Voting, Election Day Voting) Closest Early Voting Locations February 12-28WE Hunt Recreation Center-Holly SpringsHilltop Needmore Town Park Clubhouse-Fuquay VarinaELECTION DAYTuesday, March 3 from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PMSupport the showAs always, if you are interested in being on or sponsoring the podcast or if you have any particular issues, thoughts, or questions you'd like explored on the podcast, please email [email protected].  Your contributions would be greatly appreciated.Now, let's dive in!