Name as it appears on the ballot: Jennifer Bedford

Age: 45 years old

Party affiliation: Democrat

Campaign website: https://www.judgejenniferbedford.com/

Occupation & employer: Wake County District Court Judge

1) Please tell us what in your record as a public official or private citizen demonstrates your ability to be effective, fair, and impartial on the bench? Please be specific. What do you believe qualifies you to serve as a Superior Court Judge?

A dedicated public servant, I left college to enlist in the U.S. Army following the 9/11 attacks. As an attorney, an advocate, and Army Strong; I have spent the last 16 years improving the justice system. As a prosecutor, I represented victims of the most serious crimes. I then worked with leaders from both parties, building bridges and solving problems, to improve the Victims’ Rights, Juvenile Justice, and Veterans’ Affairs, from within the General Assembly. As a sitting Judge, I have presided over thousands of cases and hundreds of trials. An enthusiastic ambassador for the courthouse, I am pleased to promote smart technology that increases transparency and accessibility. I continue my mission to increase community confidence in our justice system each day by practicing procedural fairness and applying evidence-based strategies to combat the cycle of violence.  Together we can keepmoving justice forward.

2) How do you define yourself politically? How does that impact your judicial approach? 

I have a history of proven political impartiality working with leaders of each party to solve problems and improve the law. As a judge I prioritize people over politics. In the ballot box, I am a Democrat but I was elected by the majority of voters to serve everyone. I never want anyone to step into my courtroom with concerns that they might not get treated fairly because they have a red or a blue judge. On the bench, I am a dedicated and impartial jurist. 

3) What do you believe are the three most important qualities a judge must have to be an effective jurist? Which judges, past or present, do you most admire? Why?

A judge must be a lifelong learner, a humble servant, and a hard worker. North Carolina recently lost the Honorable Judge Leon Stanback who epitomized a courthouse leader and effective jurist. Judge Stanback said that patience is a judge’s superpower. 

4) In a sentence, how would you define your judicial philosophy?

Fairness is more than a verdict and by providing an impartial process and the opportunity to be heard, I am increasing community confidence in the justice system.

5) Do you favor or oppose public financing of judicial elections? What changes to North Carolina’s system of judicial elections do you believe are necessary, if any?

I am opposed to the appearance of impropriety that occurs when sitting judges accept significant financial contributions. I have personally funded 99% of my campaign myself, only accepting donations pushed on me by my closest and most insistent friends.

6) In many cases, voters know very little about the judges they are electing. Tell us something about yourself that our readers may be surprised to learn.

Growing up, my brother served six years in prison for drug possession. In light of the devastation caused by addiction, the conviction might have saved his life. As a prosecutor and a judge, I have never forgotten how profound the court system’s impact can be. 

7) If you are in a competitive race, what sets you apart from the other candidate(s)? 

I acknowledge every person’s inherent dignity; I apply the law consistently and impartially; and I promote smart technology to increase transparency and accessibility. As a single mom raising kids in our community, I am working to make Wake County better for my family and yours.