RALEIGH — In the N.C. Supreme Court contest to for Justice Paul Newby’s former seat, Republican N.C. Court of Appeals Judge Phil Berger Jr. defeated fellow N.C. Court of Appeals Judge Lucy Inman, a Democrat, to win the eight year term.
Berger, a former Rockingham County district attorney who was elected in 2016 to the Court of Appeals, will vacate that seat to join the state’s highest court.
In the final totals on election night, Berger led by 74,280 votes.
Berger told North State Journal that Tuesday night was a big night for conservative judges.
“The people of North Carolina said no activist judges, and yes to the rule of law,” said Berger. “I’m thankful that the voters of this state have put their trust in me to serve them.”
In a statement, Inman said, “Last night did not bring the result we worked so hard to achieve. We have run a strong campaign in a most challenging year. I appreciate your investment in our shared cause of justice.”
Republicans will hold at least two seats on the court, with victories by Berger and former state Sen. Tamara Barringer. The contest for Chief Justice between current Chief Justice Cheri Beasley and Justice Paul Newby is separated by less than 4,000 votes.
