Sonya Davis emphasizes fairness and experience in District Court race

District Court Judge Sonya Davis is seeking to retain her seat in North Carolina District Court District 9, Seat 1, emphasizing timely case resolution, fair treatment and public confidence in the courts.

Davis, a Democrat, serves Greene, Lenoir and Wayne counties. Gov. Josh Stein appointed her in 2025 to fill the vacancy created by Judge Beth Heath’s retirement.

Davis said she was born and raised in Kinston, graduated from Kinston High School in 1987 and earned her undergraduate and law degrees from North Carolina Central University. She said she practiced law in the district for more than 30 years before joining the bench, handling matters including criminal cases, real estate transactions, estates and cases involving families and the Department of Social Services.

“People deserve a judge who knows the law, comes prepared, listens, and treats them fairly,” Davis said.

Davis said her father’s school board service and her father-in-law’s involvement in local public service helped inspire her. Her legal career also showed her how court decisions affect families, freedom and finances.

“My job is to listen, follow the law, consider the facts, and make the best decision I can based on what is before me,” she said.

Moving from attorney to judge was a significant professional adjustment, Davis said. She closed her longtime practice and shifted from advocating for clients to weighing both sides and making decisions. She said that transition taught her to make necessary adjustments and helped her understand the emotions people experience during changes in their lives.

Davis identified three priorities: moving cases promptly, ensuring people have a fair opportunity to be heard and maintaining public confidence. She said judges’ responsibility is to apply the law fairly, with people receiving fair treatment regardless of their background or connections.

On accountability, Davis said she listens to both sides, considers the evidence and bases rulings on the law. Even when people disagree with a decision, she said, they should know their arguments were considered and they were treated fairly.

Davis said she participates in community, civic and educational events when appropriate for a judge. She wants to help people understand the courts while respecting limits on discussing pending cases or promising particular outcomes.

“When I put on the robe, party affiliation has no place in my courtroom,” Davis said.

She said professional cooperation with clerks, attorneys, law enforcement and court staff is necessary and can coexist with independent judicial decisions.

Davis described her immediate responsibility as arriving prepared, hearing cases and applying the law fairly. Her long-term goal is to strengthen confidence in a stable, independent court system that applies the law consistently.

In her closing comments, Davis emphasized the personal stakes behind each case on a crowded calendar and asked voters to consider her experience and service.

“I never want to lose sight of the fact that what may look like another case on a crowded court calendar may be one of the most important days in the life of the person standing in front of me,” she said.