James Weldon Whalen

Attorney at Brooks Pierce LLP in Raleigh, North Carolina

James Weldon Whalen is a candidate for Nc Court Of Appeals Judge Seat 03 in Raleigh, North Carolina — 2026 Primary Election. Running as Democratic Party.

Also running: Christine Walczyk.

James Whalen, originally from Charlotte, is an attorney in Raleigh focusing on appellate cases and democratic causes. He is a graduate of North Carolina's public schools and earned degrees in math and philosophy from UNC Asheville, where he served as student body president. He received a full scholarship to the UNC School of Law, graduating with distinction. His experience includes working in the N.C. General Assembly, managing political campaigns, and interning for U.S. Appeals Court Judge James Wynn, Jr. After law school, he clerked for U.S. District Court Judge Loretta Copeland Biggs and later worked for the North Carolina Department of Justice under then-Attorney General Josh Stein, handling high-profile appeals, including a gerrymandering case that went to the U.S. Supreme Court. In private practice, he has been involved in major post-election litigation, including leading a large attorney voter protection program.

Website: https://www.whalenfornc.com/