NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons: North Carolina's Court of Appeals Is Not for Sale to New York and California Socialists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 20, 2026

NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons: North Carolina's Court of Appeals Is Not for Sale to New York and California socialists

NCGOP Calls for Transparency on Out-of-State Money in Judicial Races Involving Democrats John Arrowood, Toby Hampson, and Christine Walczyk

RALEIGH, N.C. - The North Carolina Republican Party is calling for greater transparency surrounding out-of-state political spending in North Carolina's judicial elections, particularly the three Court of Appeals races involving Democratic candidates John Arrowood, Toby Hampson, and Christine Walczyk.

As former Governor Roy Cooper criticizes wealthy Republican donors, the NCGOP is calling attention to the role of national political organizations and wealthy contributors in Democratic fundraising and election spending. The Party is urging voters to examine who is financing efforts to influence North Carolina's judicial elections, including any organizations backed by donors in New York and California.

"North Carolina's Court of Appeals is not for sale," said NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons. "Roy Cooper wants to talk about Republican billionaires, but North Carolinians deserve to know who is financing political efforts on both sides. That includes outside organizations supporting John Arrowood, Toby Hampson, and Christine Walczyk. Voters deserve transparency about where the money comes from and how it is being spent to influence our judicial elections."

The NCGOP believes judicial elections deserve particular scrutiny because Court of Appeals judges decide important questions involving state law, constitutional rights, and the authority of government. Political spending in these races should be fully disclosed so voters can evaluate the interests seeking to influence the composition of North Carolina's courts.

"North Carolina voters-not wealthy political donors from New York, California, or anywhere else-should decide who serves on our courts," Simmons continued. "These elections should be about judicial qualifications, constitutional principles, and the rule of law. We encourage every voter to examine the candidates' records and the organizations spending money in these races."

With early voting underway through October 31 and Election Day on Tuesday, November 3, the NCGOP encourages North Carolinians to research every judicial candidate, review publicly available campaign finance disclosures, and participate in the general election.