Dorothy Hairston Mitchell

Incumbent Judge, North Carolina 16th Judicial District in Durham, North Carolina

Dorothy Hairston Mitchell is a candidate for NC District Court Judge District 16 Seat 04 in Durham, North Carolina — 2026 Primary Election. Running as Democratic Party.

Dorothy Hairston Mitchell was appointed as a District Court Judge by Governor Roy Cooper in December 2021. She assumed office for Seat 4 of the 16th Judicial District on January 1, 2024. Prior to her appointment, she was a Clinical Associate Professor at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law, the Legal Director at the Center for Child & Family Health, and taught at Duke University Continuing Studies. Her legal career began after becoming a licensed attorney in 2003, focusing on juvenile and criminal law. She worked in private practice for ten years and later joined the Durham County Public Defender's Office in 2013. Mitchell earned both her bachelor's degree in English and Political Science and her law degree from North Carolina Central University.