Who is Shante’ Burke-Hayer a Democratic candidate for District Court 26 Seat 1?
Political party: Democrat
Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 33
Campaign website: www.burkehayerforjudge.com
Email: burkehayerforjudge@gmail.com
Occupation: Attorney
Education: UNC-Charlotte, B.A. English 2011 Charlotte Law School, J.D. 2014
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): no
Please list your highlights of civic involvement:
Leader of Ebenezer Baptist Church missions and marriage ministries
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Democratic Women of Mecklenburg County
Leary Bar Association
NAACP Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Branch
Black Political Caucus of Mecklenburg County
Social Capital Mentoring Collaborative
Pro bono volunteer attorney for Mecklenburg County’s Community Support Services Legal Clinic
Volunteer for the Wills for Heroes Clinic through Mecklenburg County Bar
Name two personal traits that best qualify you to be a Mecklenburg County judge?
I possess the proper temperament to interact with the public during the most crucial part of their lives, and I have the great character it takes to be a judge because I possess solid morals and values that are immeasurable and necessary for the bench.
Are the courts racially fair? If so, explain why. If not, list the specific steps you’d take to change that.
No, and statistics have shown that there is indeed systemic racism within our justice system. The law is not always favorable to the Black and Brown communities who are more likely than others to receive a harsher sentence for the same or comparable crimes. I would commit to being culturally conscious of the issues that the community faces, acknowledge that biases exist and then suggest that all judges attend a mandatory diversity, equity and inclusion training as I have done in the past.
Why should the public, the government or the accused trust that you’ll be a competent judge?
I have over 10 years of legal experience where I have studied, interpreted and applied the law to some of the most difficult as well as lower pressure cases that a judge had to decide upon; and I have done so successfully.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party? Why?
I don’t consider the other individual running for seat 1 as an opponent. We are running for an open seat, and we are both running our respective races to bring fairness and justice. So, I don’t think we disagree in many areas. I believe the decision is now based on our character and our passion.
What separates you from your primary opponent(s)?
I genuinely possess the heart to serve the people of the community and that separates me from the other individual running for seat 1. We both are qualified and experienced, but the job requires more; and that is to be in, of, and for the community. As a 15-year-long resident, I have served this community with gladness. I care about the issues people face daily, and some I can personally identify with. That is why we need judges like me who have the passion to serve.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of successfully operating a solo practice during a pandemic, a time when businesses and people faced hardships. I appeared daily ready to assist so many people of the community through their life needs because although life was changing, life didn’t stop. As a result of this and my years of leadership within the community, I have now been accepted in the Bar Leadership Institute of the Mecklenburg County Bar Association.