Christy Ann Hamilton Malott

Christy Ann Hamilton Malott (Democratic Party) is the Democratic nominee for Seat 5 of the North Carolina District Court, 16th Judicial District (Durham County), in the November 3, 2026 general election. She secured the nomination by defeating incumbent Judge Clayton Jones in the March 3, 2026 Democratic primary, earning 67.6% of the vote (38,688 votes) to Jones’s 32.4% (18,570 votes)【1】. The District Court judgeship is an elected office that requires the officeholder to be a licensed North Carolina attorney and a resident of the district they serve【1】.

Malott earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Duke University in 2001 and a Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2005【1】. After law school she practiced civil law for two decades, handling family law, child abuse and neglect, juvenile delinquency, and general civil matters. She worked at the firm Lewis & Anderson before joining the nonprofit JusticeMatters in 2014, where she built and led the organization’s Family Law Section, expanding staff from three to fourteen and providing free legal services to thousands of low‑income families【7】.

Her professional experience is complemented by extensive community service. Malott served as Chair of the Community Child Protection Team (2015‑2023) and the Child Fatality Prevention Team, and participated in statewide initiatives such as the NC Children’s Justice Act Task Force (2018‑2022) and the NC Child Fatality Task Force Intentional Death Subcommittee (2019‑present)【7】. She has held leadership roles in the 14th (now 16th) Judicial District/Durham County Bar Association, serving as Secretary, Vice President, and President between 2008 and 2012, and contributed to scholarship award committees【7】. Additionally, she was appointed by the Durham County Sheriff to the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (2014‑2016) and has coached youth softball teams with undefeated records【7】.

Malott’s campaign platform emphasizes a trauma‑informed approach to the bench, greater access to civil legal services for low‑income and limited‑English‑proficiency residents, and consistent, compassionate treatment of all litigants. In her Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey she stated she will “listen carefully to the facts…apply the law thoughtfully, fairly, and consistently,” and highlighted the need to address unmet civil legal needs, especially in family law cases where pro se parties often lack language support【1】. She also pledged to re‑examine court processes through a mental‑health lens to reduce burdens on families and children【1】.

Endorsements for Malott include State Representative Marcia Morey, the People’s Alliance PAC, and the local group Red Wine and Blue【1】. Media coverage notes her commitment to bringing a “true trauma‑informed mentality” to Durham’s district court system, drawing on her experience as a Guardian ad Litem volunteer and her work with JusticeMatters to serve vulnerable families【10】. Her campaign website provides additional details on her background, values, and community impact【7】.

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