{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Sonya Davis","chatgptsummary":null,"notes":null,"party":"DEM","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nSonya Stocks Davis currently serves as a District Court Judge for Judicial District 9, which encompasses Greene, Lenoir, and Wayne counties [1][3]. She was appointed to the bench by Governor Josh Stein in March 2025 to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Beth Heath [1][3]. Davis is a graduate of North Carolina Central University and its School of Law [1].\n\nDavis is running for election to the District Court Judge position in District 9, Seat 01 in 2026 as a member of the Democratic Party. Her campaign committee has publicly expressed gratitude for voter support during the election cycle [7]. In May 2026, Davis paused her campaign activities to attend the funeral of her cousin, Irvin Butler, in Clinton, North Carolina [6].\n\n## Background and education\n\nSonya Stocks Davis is a native of Kinston, North Carolina [4]. She is the daughter of Chester Stocks, who helped mold many 4-H youth for decades, and Mallie Stocks, who served on numerous boards and committees in the community [5].\n\nDavis is a graduate of North Carolina Central University and the NCCU School of Law [1].\n\n## Career\n\nSonya Stocks Davis is a graduate of North Carolina Central University and its law school [1]. She has practiced law in Kinston, North Carolina, for 31 years [10]. Her professional practice includes personal injury law [8] and real estate law [12]. She operates The Law Offices of Sonya S. Davis, PA, located at 207 S Queen St in Kinston [9].\n\nDavis was appointed to the District Court for Judicial District 9 by Governor Josh Stein on March 31, 2025 [3][11]. This appointment filled a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Beth Heath [1]. The district includes Greene, Lenoir, and Wayne counties [3].\n\n## Office history\n\nSonya Davis was appointed by Governor Josh Stein to serve as a District Court Judge for Judicial District 9, which serves Greene, Lenoir, and Wayne counties [1][3]. She assumed this role in March 2025, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Beth Heath [1][2][3]. In this capacity, Davis serves as one of six district court judges for the judicial district [1].\n\nDavis is currently a candidate for election to District Court Judge, District 009, Seat 01 [7].\n\n## Family\n\nSonya Stocks Davis is the daughter of Chester Stocks and Mallie Stocks [4]. Her father helped mold many 4-H youth for decades, while her mother served on numerous boards and committees in Kinston [5].\n\nDavis self-describes family as a gift that must be cherished, having stepped away from her campaign journey in May 2026 to lay her cousin, Irvin Butler, to rest in Clinton, North Carolina [6].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Congratulations to Kinston attorney and now judge, Sonya Davis ...](https://www.facebook.com/chrisjsuggsnc/posts/congratulations-to-kinston-attorney-and-now-judge-sonya-davis-who-has-been-appoi/1046375920637539/)\n[2] [Congratulations, Judge Sonya Davis! - Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/RepChrisHumphrey/posts/congratulations-judge-sonya-davis/1047656777180339/)\n[3] [(RALEIGH) Governor Josh Stein announced the following judicial ...](https://www.instagram.com/p/DH8-nP6Sc4f/)\n[4] [When Governor Josh Stein appointed Sonya Stocks Davis to the ...](https://www.instagram.com/p/DSSyiyQCZzO/)\n[5] [When Governor Josh Stein appointed Sonya Stocks Davis to the ...](https://www.facebook.com/neusenews/posts/when-governor-josh-stein-appointed-sonya-stocks-davis-to-the-district-court-benc/883646440859533/)\n[6] [Judge Sonya Davis reflects on family and loss - Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/61584180213450/posts/today-i-had-to-step-away-from-my-campaign-journey-to-be-with-my-family-as-we-lai/122133440391139340/)\n[7] [We're grateful for your support Committee to Elect Sonya Davis!](https://www.instagram.com/p/DXZJhcfDKyV/)\n[8] [Sonya S Davis Law Office - Personal Injury Attorney in Kinston ...](https://www.allusinjurylawyers.com/personal-injury-lawyers/north-carolina/kinston/sonya-s-davis-law-office.html)\n[9] [The Law Office of Sonya S Davis PA - MapQuest](https://www.mapquest.com/us/north-carolina/the-law-office-of-sonya-s-davis-pa-288361296)\n[10] [Sonya S. Davis - Justia Lawyer Directory](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/sonya-s-davis-877330)\n[11] [Governor Stein Announces District Court Appointments](https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/03/31/governor-stein-announces-district-court-appointments)\n[12] [Governor Josh Stein has announced the following judicial ...](https://www.facebook.com/wcti12/posts/governor-josh-stein-has-announced-the-following-judicial-appointments-of-tia-hud/1079840717508634/)","firstname":"Sonya","lastname":"Davis","middlename":"Danell","suffix":null,"token":"f69fc0dbc450a3d2"},"token":"cL9MHrXDldh7apkX"},{"candidatename":"Roy A. Dawson","chatgptsummary":null,"notes":null,"party":"REP","person":{"biography":"Roy A. Dawson is the Republican candidate for District Court Judge in North Carolina\u2019s 9th Judicial District, a race slated for November 3, 2026. The 9th Judicial District covers Lenoir, Wayne, and Greene counties, and the judge presides over civil, criminal, and family matters arising in those counties [7][9].\n\nDawson\u2019s personal story is one of perseverance. He left high school early, later earned a degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law, and entered the legal profession after working a variety of jobs in kitchens, garages, warehouses, and delivery trucks. Today he describes himself as a trial lawyer, small\u2011business owner, husband, father, and youth\u2011soccer coach in Kinston, North Carolina [7].\n\nProfessionally, Dawson has more than a decade of courtroom experience as a practicing attorney. He has handled a wide range of cases, gaining the practical litigation skills he says will inform his work on the bench. In addition to his legal practice, he runs a small business and remains active in his community through coaching youth soccer and other local engagements [9][7].\n\nDawson\u2019s campaign emphasizes integrity, a real\u2011world perspective, and a practical approach to justice. He argues that his diverse life and work experiences give him a unique ability to understand the people who appear before the court. His stated goals include keeping local courtrooms fair, accessible, and grounded in dignity and respect for all participants [7][9].\n\nIf elected, Dawson would bring his courtroom experience and community\u2011focused outlook to the district court, seeking to apply the law with both rigor and empathy for the citizens of Lenoir, Wayne, and Greene counties.\n\n## Sources\n- [7] [Roy A. Dawson for District Court Judge](https://www.royforjudge.com/)\n- [9] [Attorney Roy A. Dawson has officially filed to run for District ...](https://www.facebook.com/neusenews/posts/attorney-roy-a-dawson-has-officially-filed-to-run-for-district-court-judge-in-no/882223347668509/)","firstname":"Roy","lastname":"Dawson","middlename":"Arnold","suffix":null,"token":"06606332f2be0b6e"},"token":"_AgNe0lOo-Mtf6xb"}],"choices":null,"description":null,"district":null,"districtgroup":null,"districtgroupname":null,"districtname":null,"job_type":null,"o.office":"district_court_judge","office":"district_court_judge","officedescription":"In North Carolina, a district court judge presides over the high-volume lower trial court \u2014 misdemeanors, smaller civil cases, and most family and juvenile matters (custody, support, domestic violence, abuse/neglect). Many litigants appear without lawyers.","officequalities":"- Judge of a high-volume district court \u2014 misdemeanors, smaller civil cases, and family and juvenile matters, often with unrepresented parties.\n- Judicial temperament: the willingness to listen, deliberate, and apply the law dispassionately to people whose lives are deeply affected by the outcome.\n- Impartiality and ethics under the North Carolina Code of Judicial Conduct, including recusal when conflicts arise.\n- Working knowledge of family, juvenile, and criminal procedure and the precedent that controls.\n- Efficient management of a heavy docket while honoring due process.\n- Accessibility and clarity for the many who appear without counsel.","officeterm":4,"officetitle":"District Court Judge","partisan":1,"pgr":"general","quantity":1,"referendum":null,"source":null,"title":"Nc District Court Judge District 09 Seat 01"}