Spencer Benjamin Merriweather III

Current office and 2026 campaign

Spencer Benjamin Merriweather III serves as the District Attorney for North Carolina’s 26th Prosecutorial District ¹. He is the incumbent Democratic candidate seeking re-election in the 2026 race for the position ⁴. The general election for this district is scheduled for November 3, 2026 ⁵.

Merriweather has secured endorsements from progressive organizations during his current campaign cycle. The LGBTQ+ Democrats of Mecklenburg County awarded him a "Sufficient" rating on their 2026 Scorecard ⁴. His campaign website outlines a platform focused on protecting women and children, ensuring safe communities, providing second chances for offenders, and building community trust through initiatives such as The Umbrella Center ⁶.

In recent professional developments, Merriweather was elected as a Vice President of the National District Attorneys Association for the 2024-2025 term ⁹. He has also been recognized with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award by Governor Josh Stein for his service to the state and community ⁸. Additionally, he participated in discussions regarding Operation Safe Season alongside Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Chief Estella Patterson and U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson ⁷.

Background and education

Spencer Benjamin Merriweather III was born in Charlotte, North Carolina ¹. He is a graduate of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and history ¹. Merriweather subsequently received his Juris Doctor from the UNC School of Law ¹.

Career

Spencer Benjamin Merriweather III was appointed as the District Attorney for North Carolina's 26th Prosecutorial District ⁶. He subsequently won election to the position in the May 17, 2022 Democratic primary ². In that race, he faced incumbent Tim Emry ³.

While serving as District Attorney, Merriweather has held leadership roles within professional organizations. In July 2024, he was elected as a Vice President of the National District Attorneys Association for the 2024-2025 term ⁹. He also serves on the board of directors for the North Carolina District Attorneys Association ¹.

In recognition of his service, Merriweather received The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award from Governor Josh Stein ⁸. This honor is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments ⁸.

Office history

Spencer Merriweather was appointed to serve as District Attorney for North Carolina’s 26th Prosecutorial District in Mecklenburg County ⁶. He subsequently won election to the position in the 2022 Democratic primary, defeating incumbent Tim Emry to secure the party's nomination for the general election ²³.

Merriweather has also held leadership roles within professional organizations. In July 2024, he was elected as a Vice President of the National District Attorneys Association for the 2024-2025 term ⁹.

Legislative record and accomplishments

As a District Attorney, Spencer Merriweather does not sponsor legislative bills or cast votes in a legislative capacity, as the role is an executive prosecutorial position rather than a legislative one ¹. His policy focus centers on "Spencer’s Plan," which emphasizes protecting women and children, ensuring safe communities, providing second chances for offenders, and building community trust through initiatives like The Umbrella Center ⁶. He has stated that justice should not be dictated by race, zip code, or wealth, aiming to ensure fairness in the prosecution of cases ¹⁰.

Merriweather has engaged in policy implementation through inter-agency collaboration, such as joining Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Chief Estella Patterson and U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson to discuss "Operation Safe Season" ⁷. He serves as a Vice President of the National District Attorneys Association for the 2024-2025 term, where he has spoken on community-focused initiatives like The Umbrella Center ⁹. His professional recognition includes receiving the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award from Governor Josh Stein for significant contributions to the state and communities ⁸.

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