Who is David H. Strickland, a Democratic candidate for Superior Court 26D?

Political party: Democratic Party

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 46

Campaign website: www.stricklandforsuperiorcourt.com

Email: dhstrick@hotmail.com

Occupation: Attorney

Education: Wake Forest University 1999, BA. Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, 2002 JD

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): Yes. I was elected as a District Court in 2012 and Re-elected in 2016.

Please list your highlights of civic involvement:

Mecklenburg County District Court Judge 2012-2020, Lead Juvenile Judge Mecklenburg County, Lead Involuntary Commitment Judge Mecklenburg County, Governor’s Crime Commission, Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Volunteer at CMS Truancy Court Program, Volunteer with Wake Forest University LAUNCH program

Name two personal traits that best qualify you to be a Mecklenburg County judge?

Integrity and Impartiality. I was ranked the top Mecklenburg County District Court Judge with respect to these two traits in a survey conducted by the NC Bar Association.

Are the courts racially fair? If so, explain why. If not, list the specific steps you’d take to change that.

No. As a Juvenile Judge, I witnessed numerous examples of racial inequity. African-American children would be detained when arrested for a criminal offense while a white child would not. The biggest inequity I witnessed was school based offenses. The disproportion of African-American children vs white children being charged with a school based offense was staggering. One step to change that is to encourage citizens to take the RMJJ (Race Matters for Juvenile Justice) seminar.

Why should the public, the government or the accused trust that you’ll be a competent judge?

I would point the public, the government, or the accused to the last survey conducted by the NC Bar Association. In that survey I was ranked, by attorneys around the state, the top Mecklenburg County District Court Judge in overall performance and the top Judge with respect to integrity and impartiality. I will be a knowledgeable and a fair judge.

Is there an area where you disagree with your party? Why?

I believe it is improper to answer this question per Judicial Standards. In addition, my personal beliefs should have no influence in my role as a judge. My job is to follow the law.

What separates you from your primary opponent(s)?

I have over twice as much experience as a judge. I served 8 years as a judge and my opponent has served for less than 4. I have presided in every courtroom that District Court offers, so I will be well prepared as a Superior Court. I also believe that I have a better temperament than my opponent. A good temperament and the quality of humility is important to be a successful judge.

What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my 5 years serving as a Juvenile Judge in Mecklenburg County. No matter what else I do in my life, I will never be able to touch as many lives and help change the direction of others as my time in Juvenile Court. I believe I served the citizens of Mecklenburg County well and I worked hard to the best of my ability to ensure that children were safe and a part of a loving home.

This story was originally published April 22, 2022 at 3:00 PM.