Christine M. Walczyk, a Democrat, is running for North Carolina Appeals Court Judge, Seat 3, in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Republican Craig Collins is also certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data.
Asked why she is seeking the seat, Walczyk said in our candidate questionnaire: "We need skilled jurists who have the moral courage to safeguard our individual freedoms." She said she is "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
Born: "I was born in Raleigh, North Carolina," Walczyk said in our questionnaire. She "moved to Florida as a child and returned to North Carolina in 1992," according to her campaign website.
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."
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. Several of my family members have served in the armed forces … 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 added: "I served as Lead Judge in Family Court for many years and currently hold the position of Lead Judge in the General Civil Court."
The race is partisan. Before joining the bench, Walczyk said in our questionnaire: "I 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. Our clients included employees, small family-run businesses, and indigent adults and juveniles charged with crimes."
Walczyk has also taught in the paralegal program at Meredith College and at 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 said 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 on appeal: Walczyk said her district court work would shape her appellate review. "I've witnessed the profound emotional impact of my rulings, whether it is the pain of a parent whose custodial time is limited, the relief of a defendant found not guilty, or the necessity of committing an individual to a mental health facility," she said. "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."
Endorsements
Walczyk has received endorsements from the following organizations, according to BallotReady and the North Carolina Association of Educators:
- North Carolina Association of Educators
- AFL-CIO
- People's Alliance PAC
- Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Candidate responses were collected through the Ballantyne Beacon's candidate questionnaire. Answers are presented in the candidate's own words and have not been edited for content.
