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Samuel Justin Ray
Office history
Current office and 2026 campaign
Samuel Justin Ray is a Republican candidate for NC District Court Judge, District 35, Seat 1, covering Avery, Madison, Mitchell, Watauga, and Yancey counties in western North Carolina 12. He ran in the March 3, 2026 Republican primary against Eric F. Eller 1.
Career
Per his own responses in a Watauga Democrat primary voter guide, Ray has practiced law for seven years, with ten years of total legal experience including hands-on District Court work during and after law school 1. His practice has focused on civil litigation, business disputes, real property matters, and probate and estate-related litigation, representing individuals and small to mid-sized businesses 1. He describes himself as an entrepreneur and small-business owner in the Newland, NC area 12.
Sources
Public filings
Candidates and officeholders are required by law to file campaign finance reports and statements of economic interest. The sites below don't support direct links to an individual record — search by last name on each.
North Carolina — campaign finance
- State, county, and municipal candidates — all in one system — NC State Board of Elections — Committee Search. Search by last name “Ray”.
North Carolina — statement of economic interest
- Required for state-elected and many local officials — NC State Ethics Commission — Statement of Economic Interest Search. Search by last name “Ray”.