Paige Barns Mcthenia

Paige B. McThenia is the incumbent Democratic judge for North Carolina District Court, District 26 Seat 17, and is seeking re‑election in the November 3, 2026 general election. District Court judges in North Carolina preside over civil cases involving claims up to $25,000, misdemeanor criminal matters, family law issues, and other limited‑jurisdiction matters. Judges must be licensed attorneys admitted to the North Carolina State Bar, reside in the judicial district they serve, and be elected to four‑year terms by voters in the district. The office also requires judges to manage courtroom administration, issue rulings, and, in many cases, facilitate mediation and settlement discussions.¹

McThenia earned a Bachelor of Arts from The Evergreen State College in 1989, a master’s degree in English literature from Boston University in 1995, and a Juris Doctor from Washington & Lee University School of Law in 2000. She was admitted to the North Carolina Bar that same year, beginning a legal career that combined prosecution, private practice, and judicial service.¹

From 2004 to 2008 she served as an assistant district attorney in Mecklenburg County, where she prosecuted criminal cases on behalf of the state. Prior to that, she worked in private practice (2000‑2004), handling civil and criminal matters for individual and business clients. In 2008 she was elected to the District Court bench for the 26th Judicial District and has been re‑elected in every subsequent cycle (2010, 2014, 2018, 2022). Her tenure includes handling a broad docket of family, civil, and criminal cases, and she has been listed as a certified mediator with the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission, indicating involvement in court‑based mediation programs.¹³

Election history shows McThenia has run unopposed in several cycles, securing 100 % of the vote in 2014, 2018, and 2022, with vote totals ranging from 34,251 to 269,168. The Democratic primary for the 2026 race was cancelled, allowing her to advance automatically to the November ballot, where she will face any Republican or independent challengers that may qualify.¹

As a judge, McThenia’s responsibilities include interpreting state law, managing trial proceedings, issuing judgments, and ensuring fair access to justice for residents of Mecklenburg County and surrounding areas within District 26. Her background as a prosecutor and private attorney provides experience on both sides of the courtroom, and her mediator certification reflects a commitment to alternative dispute resolution methods that can reduce litigation costs and foster settlement.

McThenia’s education and career trajectory illustrate a long‑standing involvement in North Carolina’s legal system, from law school graduate to practicing attorney, prosecutor, and now a decade‑plus of judicial service. Her continued candidacy for the 2026 election underscores a desire to maintain her role on the bench and to continue applying her legal expertise to serve the public.

Key facts: - Current office: Judge, North Carolina District Court, District 26 Seat 17 (term ends Dec 31 2026). - Education: Evergreen State College (B.A., 1989); Boston University (M.A., 1995); Washington & Lee University School of Law (J.D., 2000). - Career: Assistant District Attorney (2004‑2008); Private practice attorney (2000‑2004); District Court Judge (2008‑present). - Elections: Re‑elected 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022; running again 2026. - Additional role: Certified mediator with the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission.¹³

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