Tobias Samuel Hampson

Toby Hampson is the incumbent Democratic judge for Seat 2 on the North Carolina Court of Appeals, seeking re‑election in the November 3, 2026 general election. The Court of Appeals is an intermediate appellate court that reviews lower‑court decisions for errors of law and ensures uniform application of statutes across the state ⁹. Judges on this court sit in three‑judge panels, issue written opinions, and serve six‑year terms after being elected by voters.

Hampson earned a B.A. in international studies and history from American University in 1998 and received his J.D. from Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law in 2002, where he was inducted into the Order of Barristers and served on the Law Review ¹. After law school he practiced law before being elected to the Court of Appeals, assuming office on January 1, 2019 ¹. He was first elected in 2018, defeating Republican candidates Jefferson Griffin and Sandra Ray with 48.8% of the vote ¹. His current term runs through December 31, 2026, and he faces Republican challenger George Bell in the 2026 race ¹⁹.

During his tenure, Judge Hampson has been endorsed by several progressive organizations, including the NC AFL‑CIO, Bull City Anna, and the Sierra Club of North Carolina ¹. Financial disclosures for his 2026 campaign show total contributions of $330,856 and expenditures of $68,646, with the North Carolina Democratic Party contributing $51,834.38 and Hampson himself contributing $8,496.28 ⁶. Major expenditures have gone to consulting firm Express Lane Strategies LLC and to digital fundraising platforms such as Act Blue ⁶.

The Court of Appeals judges are required to be licensed attorneys in good standing, possess a record of legal experience, and demonstrate impartiality and competence in interpreting state law ⁹. Hampson’s background as a law school graduate, former attorney, and six‑year appellate judge aligns with these statutory qualifications. His ongoing campaign emphasizes maintaining a fair, independent judiciary and continuing the work of the appellate court in upholding legal consistency across North Carolina ¹⁰.

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