Judges & courts

Judge of the Court of Appeals (Seat 1)

Vote for: 1
Term: 8 years
Candidates: 2
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: The Court of Appeals hears most appeals from North Carolina's trial courts; its 15 judges sit in panels of three.

Candidates Compare by issue

Michael C. Byrne

Republican

Administrative law judge, N.C. Office of Administrative Hearings · Cary

The gist

Pledges to be a fair judge for everyone.
Supports judges applying the law rather than making it.
Pledges rulings based strictly on due process and law.

More about Michael

View sources (2)

Pledges to be a fair judge for everyone.
Judicial Voter Guide: 2026 General Election (candidate submissions)
Candidate questionnaire · North Carolina State Board of Elections · ncsbe.gov
“My judicial philosophy: "A Fair Judge. For Everyone" - and get the law right.”
Supports judges applying the law rather than making it.
Elect Michael C. Byrne for NC Court of Appeals
Campaign website · Elect Michael C. Byrne · mb4nc.com
“They apply the law, not "make" the law.”
Pledges rulings based strictly on due process and law.
Elect Michael C. Byrne for NC Court of Appeals
Campaign website · Elect Michael C. Byrne · mb4nc.com
“He issues decisions strictly based on due process and the law, without fear or favor.”

John S. Arrowood

DemocraticIncumbent

Judge, N.C. Court of Appeals · Charlotte

The gist

Supports an independent judiciary that upholds the rule of law.
Pledges equal justice and protection of constitutional rights.

More about John

View sources (1)

Supports an independent judiciary that upholds the rule of law.
Judicial Voter Guide: 2026 General Election (candidate submissions)
Candidate questionnaire · North Carolina State Board of Elections · ncsbe.gov
“I am committed to an independent judiciary that upholds the rule of law.”
Pledges equal justice and protection of constitutional rights.
Judicial Voter Guide: 2026 General Election (candidate submissions)
Candidate questionnaire · North Carolina State Board of Elections · ncsbe.gov
“I pledge to render equal justice and to protect your constitutional rights.”

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 1 issue covered in this race.