Candidates for open NC Court of Appeals seat speak on judicial ethics, recusals

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The Nov. 3, 2026, election for North Carolina Court of Appeals Seat 3 features candidates Craig Collins and Christine Walczyk. The seat is currently held by Allegra Collins, who is not running. The News & Observer and Charlotte Observer asked all candidates in this race to complete a questionnaire to inform voters about their opinions on big issues facing voters.

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 3, 2026: 55

Seat number: Seat 3

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

Current occupation: Superior Court Judge

Professional experience: 9 years Assistant District Attorney, Gaston County. 9 years owner, Law Office of Craig Collins. 9 years District Court Judge. Currently, Superior Court Judge

Education: University of Pittsburgh, BA 1994. Villanova University School of Law, JD 1997

Please list any notable government or civic involvement.: Trustee, Gaston College, 2016-2020

What areas of the law do you have experience in, as a judge or attorney?: Criminal, civil litigation, family law, insurance, labor/employment

What is your judicial philosophy?: I believe the Constitution means what it says, and I will never re-write it to fit some political agenda. Our rights should not change from year to year based on a judge’s personal opinion.

Do you think judges should be able to make public political statements, and to what extent?: Judges do not give up their First Amendment rights simply due to their choice to run for office. However, we need to exercise caution in our speech, as we should not make statements that could call the court’s impartiality into question. Canon 7 of the NC Code of Judicial Conduct governs such political statements. “A judge may engage in political activity consistent with the judge’s status as a public official.”

Under what circumstances should judges recuse themselves from a case? Has this standard been followed in recent years by appellate judges?: Canon 3 of the NC Code of Judicial Conduct tells judges that “A judge should disqualify himself/herself in a proceeding in which the judge’s impartiality may reasonably be questioned.”

Should the chief justice of the NC Supreme Court have the power to suspend trial judges without pay during disciplinary investigations?: Following the Code of Judicial Conduct, it would be improper to answer this question, as this issue could reasonably come before the courts.

Did you use AI to answer any of these questions?: No

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 3, 2026: 55

Seat number: Seat 3

Campaign website: www.judgechristine.org

Current occupation: District Court Judge, 10th Judicial District

Professional experience: I have served as a trial judge for more than 19 years in our state’s largest county, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the rights and values protected by our constitutions and issuing thousands of opinions. I was the lead judge in family court for many years and currently serve as lead judge in general civil court. Prior to this, I co-owned a law firm for more than a decade. Our clients included employees, small family-run businesses, and adults and juveniles charged with crimes.

Education: University of North Carolina School of Law at Chapel Hill, Juris Doctor, 1995. Boston College, Carroll School of Management, Bachelor of Science, Finance Concentration, magna cum laude, 1992. Specialized and advanced judicial training topics include equitable distribution, custody, child development, domestic violence, case management, and criminal sentencing.

Please list any notable government or civic involvement.: District Court Judge. Wake County Legal Support Center, Advisory Board. Custody Mediation Advisory Committee. National Association of Women Judges, Judicial Independence Committee. The N.C. Bar Association’s Women in the Profession Committee. North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys. International Focus, International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). Legal Aid of North Carolina Volunteer Lawyers Program (Outstanding Volunteer Attorney for two consecutive years). Mentoring students and judging mock trial programs

What areas of the law do you have experience in, as a judge or attorney?: Criminal, civil litigation, corporate counsel, family law, labor/employment, intellectual property, domestic violence, housing, business, tort, juvenile

What is your judicial philosophy?: Every individual is entitled to a judge who applies the law without bias. One’s race, religion, sexual orientation, or political affiliation should have no bearing on the outcome of a case. I remain faithful to my oath to uphold our constitutions and laws, safeguarding the individual liberties they enumerate. I strive to apply the law thoughtfully, with careful attention to its words, purpose, and practical consequences. I respect precedent and believe in judicial restraint.

Do you think judges should be able to make public political statements, and to what extent? The public must be informed about the values, experiences, and biases of judges standing for election. Judges should be free to discuss their values, life experiences, and views on improving the legal system, but must avoid expressing overtly political views or personal beliefs on specific cases that may come before them. Such conduct can violate the Code of Judicial Conduct, lead to disqualification, and undermine public trust in an independent judiciary.

Under what circumstances should judges recuse themselves from a case? Has this standard been followed in recent years by appellate judges?: Judges are bound by a myriad of ethical standards and rules. The Judicial Code of Conduct speaks to this issue and provides guidance for judges regarding recusal, disclosure of potential conflicts, and disqualification. Some examples requiring recusal include having a personal relationship with a party, personal knowledge of evidentiary facts, or a financial interest in the outcome of the case. Our integrity and the public’s trust in the judiciary must remain paramount.

Should the chief justice of the NC Supreme Court have the power to suspend trial judges without pay during disciplinary investigations?: Stricter and more transparent ethical rules regarding recusals, campaign finance, and judicial conduct will increase public confidence and help forge a stronger judiciary. Having said that, I do not believe any single person should make judicial disciplinary decisions, and judges should only be suspended after due process and an opportunity to be heard. This is my personal opinion and not a statement on the law.

Did you use AI to answer any of these questions?: No

This story was originally published September 29, 2026 at 5:50 PM with the headline “Candidates for open NC Court of Appeals seat speak on judicial ethics, recusals.”