The Political Beat Candidate Guide: North Carolina Court of Appeals

The Court of Appeals is the state’s intermediate appellate court. Three seats are up for grabs.

George Bell, who is running against Toby Hampson for Seat 2, did not respond to our candidate guide questionnaire.

If we receive his response, we will post it here.

NC Court of Appeals Seat 1

Michael Byrne (R)

Why are you running?

I am running for the same reason I became an Administrative Law Judge more than six years ago: public service matters. There is a tradition of State service in my family going back more than 50 years.

What is your judicial philosophy?

My judicial philosophy is, first: “A Fair Judge. For Everyone.” This means exactly what it says: everyone, no matter who they are, deserves a fair, unbiased, impartial judge hearing their case. Second: “Get the Law Right.” My opinions have been appealed to the Court of Appeals 11 times, and I have never been reversed.

What sets you apart from your opponent?

Differences: first, I am the only NC COA candidate of either party endorsed by both the NC Fraternal Order of Police and the NC Police Benevolent Association. These were competitive endorsements; both groups endorsed me in 2026 despite endorsing John Arrowood in 2018. I’m also endorsed by NAPO, a national level police group representing 350,000 sworn officers. Second, John Arrowood if reelected cannot serve his full term due to age - he is running for a job that, by law, he can’t finish. At my age (59) I can serve two full 8-year terms on the Court.

John Arrowood (D)

Why are you running?

I believe that our Courts need experience jurists committed to equal justice, protecting our citizens Constitutional Rights, upholding the Rule of Law and acting as a check and balance on the political branches of government. This is especially important at the Court of Appeals which is now the Court of last resort for over 90% of our appellate cases. I believe that the over 2000 cases I have heard while at the Court including over 600 where I have written opinions, concurrences or dissents show that my commitment to these ideals.

What is your judicial philosophy?

My judicial philosophy is to render to render equal justice, uphold the rule of law, protect our citizens constitutional rights and to act as third independent branch of government.

What sets you apart from your opponent?

The North Carolina Court of Appeals hears all the criminal appeals except for those where the death penalty is imposed; all civil appeals except cases from the Business Court; all family law cases such as custody, support and equitable distribution as well as cases involving juvenile matters such as, abuse, neglect, dependency and termination of parental rights; worker’s compensation cases involving workplace injury, and other administrative law cases. Because there is generally no automatic right to appeal these cases what 2 judges on a Court of Appeals panel decides is the final decision on more than 90 percent of these appeals.

Because of the wide range of cases we decide, I believe that my substantial and wide range of experience sets me apart from my opponent. For almost 11 years I have served as a Court of Appeals Judge deciding these cases. Before I became an appellate judge early in my career I clerked and served as a staff attorney and the head of the Central Staff at the Court of Appeals for almost 6 years. I then practiced law for over 25 years, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in a wide range civil, regulatory and complex commercial litigation matters. While in private practice, I served on the North Carolina Banking Commission, North Carolina Rules Review Commission, the North Carolina Arts Council, and as a Corporate Director for the North Carolina Rail Road. I have also served as a Superior Court Judge, handing both civil and criminal cases.

NC Court of Appeals Seat 2

Toby Hampson (D)

Why are you running?

I’m running for re-election to Seat 2 on the North Carolina Court of Appeals because we need to keep judges on the Court of Appeals that have actual Court of Appeals experience. We need judges that will follow the Rule of Law and protect your individual rights and fundamental freedoms. We need judges that understand our judicial system only works when it serves the people and not a political agenda.

What is your judicial philosophy?

My judicial philosophy is that when we properly interpret and properly apply the law, it should make sense in real life. Every analysis of statutes, constitutional provisions, or common law precedent must start with a review and faithful application of the text of the relevant provisions to the facts of a case. Judges must be mindful, however, that we do not operate in a vacuum and the decisions we issue directly impact the lives of North Carolinians in all 100 counties and in communities big and small. It is important we apply the law faithfully and in a way that recognizes the reality of peoples’ lives and and in a way that makes sense.

What sets you apart from your opponent?

Experience. I have real hands-on Court of Appeals experience, both as a lawyer and a judge. From 2002 until being elected in 2018, I focused my career on cases in the Court of Appeals as a law clerk to Judges on the Court and as a lawyer specializing in handling appeals in the Court of Appeals and NC Supreme Court, including in family and juvenile law, criminal law, business litigation, estates, healthcare, workers’ compensation, insurance and injury law. While on the Court since 2019, I have authored over 400 majority opinions in both civil and criminal cases. I have an established track record on the Court and am proud to be endorsed by a wide variety of former judges and justices, community groups, and other organizations. I hope you’ll learn more about me at www.JudgeTobyHampson.com. Thank you!

NC Court of Appeals Seat 3

Craig Collins (R)

Why are you running?

I want to protect North Carolina from those who wish to harm our state - from those who wish to do harm in the community with violent criminal acts, or in the courtroom by ignoring, erasing, and rewriting the Constitution. We must protect our Constitutional rights.

What is your judicial philosophy?

I am a Constitutionalist. The Constitution means what it says, and we need judges who will always follow it and never amend it to fit a political agenda.

What sets you apart from your opponent?

I am the only candidate with expertise as either a prosecutor or as a Superior Court Judge. I have handled the types of cases that make up the significant majority of the Court of Appeals caseload.

Christine Marie Walczyk (D)

Why are you running?

I am running for the Court of Appeals 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. I hope to bring integrity, balance, and experience to the Court, and I intend to fight for a strong, independent, and diverse judiciary that works for the people.

Diverse perspectives matter. We deserve a Court that reflects the population it serves. As the only woman running for the Court in 2026, I hope to ensure that women continue to have a seat at the table.

What is your judicial philosophy?

Every individual is entitled to a judge who applies the law without bias. One’s race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or political affiliation should have no bearing on the outcome of a case. I remain faithful to my oath to uphold our constitutions and laws, safeguarding the individual liberties they enumerate. I respect precedent and believe in judicial restraint. Consistency is essential to a safe and peaceful society.

What sets you apart from your opponent?

I am not a politician, but a hard-working judge running to restore the public’s confidence in the judiciary. We need judges who are faithful to their oath of office and with high ethical standards. I want a more independent court, free from the influence of politicians, and experienced judges with the moral courage to safeguard our constitutional freedoms. I respect precedent and believe in judicial restraint, as consistency and stability are essential to a safe and peaceful society.

I believe judges must be committed to public service, connect with their communities and work to make the court system better. I have spent my career working to support and mentor students and women in the profession, ensuring equal access to justice for all, and fighting for judicial independence.

I am the only woman running for the Court of Appeals in 2026. I believe women bring a unique perspective, have different life experiences, and deserve a voice on the Court.