Who is Belal Elrahal, a Democratic candidate for District Court 26 Seat 19?
Belal Elrahal
Political party: Democrat
Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 33
Campaign website: www.elrahalforjudge.com
Email: belal@elrahalforjudge.com
Occupation: Attorney, Mecklenburg County Public Defender’s Office; JAG Attorney, US Army Reserve
Education: Harding University High School ‘07; Davidson College ‘11, BA; UNC School of Law ‘14, JD
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No
Please list your highlights of civic involvement: Mecklenburg County Bar - Board of Directors, Finance Committee Member, Bar Leadership Initiative Graduate
North Carolina Advocates for Justice - Criminal Defense Executive Committee Member
Mecklenburg County Bar Justice Access Initiative - Member
NC Pro Bono Resource Center - Expungement Clinic Volunteer
Mecklenburg County Diversion Program Workgroup Member
Community Building Initiative - Leaders Under 40 Graduate
Rockingham County Democratic Party - 1st Vice Chair
Name two personal traits that best qualify you to be a Mecklenburg County judge?
My strong sense of connectedness and empathy, and my even-tempered ability in high conflict situations.
Are the courts racially fair? If so, explain why. If not, list the specific steps you’d take to change that.
No, by the data statewide and experience of many in Mecklenburg, Black and Brown people are more harshly treated and severely punished. I’d continue fighting the role that money plays in the courts, which is often a proxy for racial inequity. I’d also continue implicit bias training and supporting organizations such as Race Matters for Juvenile Justice. Finally, I’d commit to explaining my thought process in rulings, to increase trust and safeguard against unintentional shortcuts or assumptions.
Why should the public, the government or the accused trust that you’ll be a competent judge?
I have years of daily District Court experience representing people and trying cases in criminal, civil, family, and juvenile court, and working on both sides of the courtroom. Between my civilian career and as a JAG Attorney, I have represented both individual clients and the government. I’ve also remained a constant student of the law, and I stay on the cutting edge by teaching new and experienced attorneys as a volunteer instructor with the UNC School of Government on District Court practice.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party? Why?
I do not disagree with the Democratic Party on any particular policy, but I think we can do more to replicate effective leadership. Although we are in the minority in Raleigh, there are legislators that have been able to advance our issues and concerns, and get bills passed, by focusing on the work and needs of the people. Keeping that front and center reduces the political cost to a majority member joining, and results in legislation passing and becoming law without a compromise in values.
What separates you from your primary opponent(s)?
Experience practicing and trying cases in District Court, and what I’ve learned from practicing holistic representation. Years of representing people from start to finish have made me very familiar with how District Court works, and given me necessary trial expertise. Working extensively outside of the courtroom with community organizations and services such as the Salvation Army, Hope Haven, and Mental Health and Drug Treatment Courts enables me to effectively connect needs to resources.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
In 2019, I went on a military assignment to Camp Walker, South Korea to assist the 19th ESC in Military Justice. As the highest ranking member of our group and only attorney, I was responsible for the group. I guided their professional/personal development, coordinated them with projects that appealed to them, and they thrived in the assignment. We brought quality, high impact legal aid to the Military Justice, Admin. Law, and Legal Assistance Offices, and all returned home without incident.