Meet Judge Ericka James
It’s been an honor to serve the residents of Wayne County as a District Court judge for more than a decade. You have elected me three times to the bench, and I have taken your trust in me as a solemn responsibility to run a courtroom that is tough but fair and treats everyone equally under the law. In my courtroom, we follow the law, not the current winds of politics.
You first elected me to the District Court bench in 2012 and reelected me in 2016 and again in 2020. During that time, I’ve earned the reputation as a “No Nonsense Judge” who demands people conduct themselves with respect for the court, each other, and the law. When real people have real problems, they often look to the courts for justice. Everyone involved deserves to be heard.
I’m a judge, not a politician. The only elected office I’ve ever sought is the one for judge. I passionately believe that a judge, even if elected, should “focus on the law, not politics; focus on the people, not party.”
Shortly before my 2020 reelection, my husband of 22 years was diagnosed with cancer. I stepped down from the bench, six months into my new term, to focus on my husband and maximize the time we had together, as we did not know how much time we would have. Two years later, we were elated with wonderful news that all signs of cancer were gone. In many ways, this battle has made us stronger. It strengthened our value of time, people and opportunity to help people and make a difference. I am committed to making a difference by firmly and fairly administering justice in Wayne County.
As the first African American woman to serve as a District Court Judge in Wayne County, I also take my opportunity and responsibility seriously to serve as role-model to other women, girls, and people of color who seek justice or careers through our legal system.
I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1995 and earned my law degree from Regent University School of Law in 2002. My husband, Ronald, and I have three children and four grandchildren. I’m a past president of the Three Eagles Rotary Club in Goldsboro and we are members of St. Mark Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, in Goldsboro.
Why I Am Running For Superior Court Judge
I am running to keep politics out of the courts. As a judge with 10 years experience, I know firsthand that court is about real people with real problems and that has zero to do with political ideology. Decisions in a court should be based on the facts, the evidence, and the law. Period.
I am also running because representation is important. Young girls should see women in their community in positions of leadership. African Americans should see people who look like them in positions of leadership. Young people need to be inspired to dream and to be successful. I know when they see me, they think, “Well, if she can do it, I can too!” And they should feel that way. They should see themselves in me. I have been stopped and stared at by people who’ve told me they’ve never seen a black judge or a woman judge. This is 2023, we need to change that.
And I am running because I have the time, the inclination and the desire to serve the people of Wayne
County.
I am going to win because you first elected me in 2012 to the district court. You showed me that you were pleased with the job I did because you re-elected me in 2016 and again in 2020. The person you voted for then is the same person here now. If there is any difference, it is that I am a better judge today than I was 10 years ago because I have gained the knowledge and experience that it takes to run a court fairly, efficiently, and correctly. I am going to win because I am the best candidate for the job.