Valene Kadisha Mcmasters

Current office and 2026 campaign

Valene McMasters is a Democratic judge currently serving in District 31 ¹. She was originally appointed to the bench in District 21 by Governor Roy Cooper in January 2022 to fill the seat vacated by retired Judge Denise Hartsfield ²⁷. Her appointment was noted by the North Carolina Bar Association, which congratulated her on joining the bench ³.

McMasters is running for election to District Court Judge, District 31, Seat 01 in 2026. As of May 17, 2026, she remains on the ballot for this upcoming race, with the outcome yet to be determined. During her tenure, she has participated in community service events, such as the Winston-Salem Chronicle’s MLK Day Breakfast ⁵, and has been recognized for her work in family violence cases ⁴.

Background and education

Valene McMasters is a member of the Democratic Party ¹. She was appointed to the District Court bench for District 21 in Forsyth County by Governor Roy Cooper in January 2022, filling the seat vacated by retired Judge Denise Hartsfield ²³⁷. Prior to her judicial appointment, McMasters served as the managing attorney of the Winston-Salem office for Legal Aid of North Carolina ²³.

The provided sources do not contain information regarding her birthplace, year of birth, upbringing, religion, or specific educational background including schools attended and degrees earned.

Career

Before entering the judiciary, Valene McMasters served as a managing attorney at Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Winston-Salem office ². In this capacity, she specialized in legal aid services for underserved populations within Forsyth County ³. Her appointment to the bench by Governor Roy Cooper was noted by the North Carolina Bar Association as a recognition of her professional standing and experience in the field ³.

McMasters has been active in community service initiatives in Winston-Salem, including participation in the Winston-Salem Chronicle’s Annual MLK Day Breakfast ⁵. She has also been recognized for her work regarding family violence within the court system ⁴.

Office history

Valene McMasters served as a managing attorney at Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Winston-Salem office prior to her judicial appointment ². In January 2022, Governor Roy Cooper appointed her to fill the seat vacated by retired Judge Denise Hartsfield in District 21, serving Forsyth County ⁷. This appointment was confirmed by the North Carolina Bar Association and Legal Aid of North Carolina, marking her transition from legal practice to the bench ³.

As a District Court Judge in District 21, McMasters presided over court proceedings in Forsyth County ⁶. She participated in community service events during her tenure, including the Winston-Salem Chronicle’s 23rd Annual MLK Day Breakfast in January 2023 ⁵. Her work has been noted for addressing family violence within the court system and breaking barriers for women judges in Forsyth County ⁶.

Family

Judge McMasters has a son named Ian ⁵.

Sources