Christine M. Walczyk, a Democratic district court judge in Wake County, is running for North Carolina Appeals Court Judge, Seat 3, on the Nov. 3, 2026, general election ballot. Republican Craig Collins is also running for the seat.

Asked why she is seeking the office, Walczyk said in our candidate questionnaire that she is running "because we need skilled jurists who have the moral courage to safeguard our individual freedoms. I am increasingly concerned about the politicization of our courts, and the public's resulting loss of confidence in the judiciary."

She added: "As the only woman running for the Court in 2026, I hope to ensure that women continue to have a seat at the table."

Candidate information

Party: Democrat

Birthplace: Walczyk said in our questionnaire: "I was born in Raleigh, North Carolina." She said on her campaign website that she "moved to Florida as a child and returned to North Carolina in 1992."

Education: Walczyk said in our questionnaire: "I graduated magna cum laude from the Boston College Carroll School of Management and earned my Juris Doctor from the UNC School of Law. My specialized judicial training includes advanced courses in equitable distribution, child custody, child development, criminal sentencing, and domestic violence."

Family: Walczyk said in our questionnaire: "My parents met when they were teenagers and were married until my father's death in 2002. They raised us to value education, hard work, and public service … Although I do not have children of my own, I am honored to have many nieces and nephews to cherish and spoil."

Experience and public service

Walczyk said in our questionnaire: "I was first appointed to the District Court bench in 2007. Since that time, I have been elected five times, four of those without opposition."

She said in our questionnaire: "I served as Lead Judge in Family Court for many years and currently hold the position of Lead Judge in the General Civil Court. My role as Lead Judge in the Tenth Judicial District has not only brought additional responsibilities … but has also provided me with the opportunity to collaborate with various stakeholders in the judicial system."

Before joining the bench, Walczyk said in our questionnaire that she "co-owned a law firm for more than a decade. We started our firm, so we would have the freedom to give voice to marginalized communities."

She has also taught at Meredith College and Wake Technical Community College, according to her campaign website.

On the issues

Judicial independence: Asked about the biggest threat to judicial independence, Walczyk said in our questionnaire: "One of the biggest challenges facing our legal system is the politicization of the courts and the erosion of the public's trust in the judiciary. Attacks on the rule of law, the use of 'dark money' to attempt to influence judicial elections, and efforts to politicize our courts for power and partisan gain, have weakened the system."

She added: "Confidence in the judiciary can be strengthened by returning to nonpartisan judicial elections and ensuring the selection of judges who are honest, transparent, and free from partisan agendas."

Trial-court experience: Asked how her trial-court background would shape her appellate work, Walczyk said: "I've had the responsibility of issuing difficult decisions directly to the parties before me, explaining my reasoning, and answering their questions … My experience will allow me to remember the human realities behind each record, ensuring that the weight and significance of every case inform my appellate review."

Record: Walczyk said in our questionnaire: "As one of the longest-serving district court judges in NC, I have issued thousands of opinions in civil, criminal, and domestic cases. Despite having served as a judge for 19 years, I am only aware of a handful of appeals, and most of my decisions were undisturbed by the appellate court."

Endorsements

Walczyk has received endorsements from the following organizations, according to the North Carolina Association of Educators and BallotReady:

  • North Carolina Association of Educators
  • AFL-CIO
  • People's Alliance PAC
  • Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg

Candidate responses were collected through the Concord-Harrisburg Herald's candidate questionnaire. Answers are presented in the candidate's own words and have not been edited for content.