Who is Samantha Mobley a Democratic candidate for District Court 26 Seat 19?
Samantha Mobley
Political party: Democrat
Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 41
Campaign website: votesamanthamobley.com
Email: votesamanthamobley@gmail.com
Occupation: Magistrate
Education: Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Ursuline College, cum laude; Juris Doctorate, Charlotte School of Law
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No
Please list your highlights of civic involvement:
Since 2016, I have served at precinct 122 in Mecklenburg County at Good Shepherd Church on election days.
I volunteer with Veterans Bridge Home where the mission is to connect Veterans to the community by helping navigate employment, create social connections, and settle their families.
I also volunteer with Heal Charlotte, whose mission is to revitalize neighborhoods through community events, youth development, family stability programs and build better community relations with the police department.
Name two personal traits that best qualify you to be a Mecklenburg County judge?
I am an active listener. In court, I listen intently to what the litigants are saying. So much relies on the facts of the case. Many facts are revealed through testimony. It is critical that we have judges who are truly listening to what the parties are saying.
I view cases objectively. I do not insert my personal feelings or beliefs when making decisions that affect other’s lives. I seek guidance from the U.S and state constitution and local ordinances regarding how I should rule in cases.
Are the courts racially fair? If so, explain why. If not, list the specific steps you’d take to change that.
No, the courts are not racially fair. Systematic racism and colorism have led to people of color being treated differently than other races. I have witnessed a disproportionate number of people of color being brought before me in court. What I have done and will do is listen closely to the testimony and the view the evidence carefully to determine whether or not there is probable cause that the alleged crime occurred. When there is not enough evidence to support probable cause, I deny the charges.
Why should the public, the government or the accused trust that you’ll be a competent judge?
I am competent because I have served the public well as a magistrate for the last 8 years. I have received specialized judicial training & I have presided over cases in both criminal court and civil court.
The government can trust me because I have been honest and have served with integrity and deep respect for the court and for the people that come into my courtroom.
The accused can trust me because I treat the accused fairly. My decisions are not based on any personal bias.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party? Why?
No
What separates you from your primary opponent(s)?
What separates me is that I am a judicial official and I have experience presiding over cases from the bench in numerous Mecklenburg County courtrooms. I am running for district court judge seat 19, which is another judicial position. I have received specialized training judicial training for the last 8 years from the UNC school of government while serving as a magistrate. I bring to the bench 7 years of experience at Bank of America and experience working with families in various capacities.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of serving at Berea Children’s Home. I served as a mentor to kids who were removed from their home. They suffered from the trauma of being removed from their home and struggled with the awkwardness that can be associated with becoming a teenager. This work can be mentally and emotionally exhausting. However, each time a guardian told me that my service made a positive difference for their family it was all worth it. This is what I am most proud of.
This story was originally published April 22, 2022 at 3:00 PM.
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