Matt Newton, a Democrat and sitting North Carolina District Court judge, is seeking a second term on the District 26, Seat 16 bench in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
Newton said on his campaign website that he is running to continue serving the community and "to ensure that the County Courthouse is a place where equality and justice prevails for all."
Candidate information
- Office sought: North Carolina District Court Judge, District 26, Seat 16
- Party: Democratic
- Ballot status: Certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data
- Residence: Charlotte (lifelong resident, according to his campaign website)
- Education: High school diploma, Myers Park High School; bachelor's degree, University of North Carolina at Wilmington; J.D., Thomas Jefferson School of Law, 2004
Newton said on his campaign biography page that he graduated from Myers Park High School at age 16 and from UNC-Wilmington at age 19. He described himself as a product of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools system.
Experience and public service
Newton has held the District 26, Seat 16 judgeship since 2023, according to BallotReady profile data.
Before taking the bench, Newton served on the Charlotte City Council representing District 5 from 2017 to 2022, according to BallotReady. His campaign website states he served on the Economic Development, Planning and Transportation, Housing, Environment, and Intergovernmental Relations committees during that time.
Newton said he practiced as a trial attorney in state and federal court for approximately fifteen years. He was attorney and managing partner at Newton & Arroyo, PLLC from 2010 to 2017, according to BallotReady. His campaign website states the firm was recognized as one of "Charlotte's Finest" law firms by Creative Loafing in 2015.
He also worked as an attorney at Huron Consulting Group, Inc., according to BallotReady.
Newton's campaign website lists board service at Charlotte Works, Smart Start (Mecklenburg Partnership for Children) and the NASCAR Hall of Fame, each from 2017 to 2022. He also volunteered at the Domestic Violence Clinic at Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 2004, according to his campaign site.
Endorsements
Newton's campaign endorsements page lists the following supporters:
- Hon. LaWana Mayfield
- Hon. Brandon Lofton
- Hon. Laura Budd
- Hon. Aisha Dew
- Hon. Arthur Griffin
- Hon. Bobby Drakeford
- Hon. LaToya Rivers
- Hon. Renee Johnson
The Lake Norman Beacon did not find a Ballotpedia page for this candidate. This profile is based on the candidate's campaign website and BallotReady election data. Newton had not returned the Lake Norman Beacon's candidate questionnaire as of publication.
