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Jason Williams: 

Residence: Washington 

Highest level of education: Juris Doctor from University of Florida College of Law

Occupation: District Court Judge 

Political affiliation: Democrat 

Personal statement: 

I was appointed to be a District Court Judge last year when a sitting judge retired. Prior to that, I practiced law in the Second Judicial District for a little over 20 years. Throughout my years in private practice, I represented clients in almost every kind of legal action that can be filed in District Court. I am the only candidate in this race with extensive experience in family law (including custody, property distribution and child support), child welfare, juvenile delinquency and a host of other areas. I also worked earlier in my career as an Assistant Public Defender representing indigent defendants in criminal cases and a Legal Aid attorney representing poor people in civil cases. I believe running a small business for two decades—and all that entails, such as meeting payroll and satisfying clients—offers me a valuable perspective as a judge. 

Although mine is a partisan race, the position of District Court Judge is certainly not a partisan job. There is no conservative way to adjudicate a juvenile petition and no liberal way to decide who is guilty in a misdemeanor criminal case. Being a Democrat or a Republican has absolutely nothing to do with determining the best interests of a minor child in a custody case. 

During my time on the bench, I have earned a reputation for treating people fairly and respectfully and for knowing and following the law. Everyone is equal in my courtroom, regardless of income, social status or political persuasion. When I began my time on the bench, I set out to be a judge for everyone, and I believe I have largely succeeded in that. 

Over the past year I have presided over all kinds of cases throughout each of the five counties in my judicial district, and I look forward to serving the people of eastern North Carolina for many years to come. 

Jonathan Jones: 

Residence: Washington 

Highest level of education: Juris Doctor 

Occupation: Assistant District Attorney 

Political affiliation: Republican 

Personal statement: 

For over 20 years I have served the citizens of this District as an Assistant District Attorney under the elected District Attorney, Seth Edwards.  Prior to that I was in the private practice of law for over eight years.  When I was sworn in as a prosecutor, I learned that under the rules of professional conduct for prosecutors, my responsibility is to serve the people as a minister of justice and not simply that of an advocate; the prosecutor’s duty is to seek justice, not merely to convict.  In private practice I was an advocate for my clients.  For the last 20 years I have faithfully served as a minister of justice, impartially seeking justice for the citizens of our District.  This experience has enabled me to view cases from the standpoint of not what is just good for one individual client, but what is just and right under the law for the citizens of the State as a whole.  I decided to run for District Court Judge when I became aware there was going to be a Judge retiring who had just over a year left on his term.  I believe that my experience in both private practice, and as a 20 year State prosecutor, has uniquely prepared me to ably serve the citizens of this District as their next Judge, to ensure that justice is served and that the laws are strictly applied and upheld.  I have a reputation of fairness and being even-tempered, but also as someone who will zealously stand for what is right and just under our laws and Constitution.  Having worked with victims and law enforcement, I have been able to see the big picture of cases and realize the impacts they have on individuals and society.  The courts exist to serve and protect the people and to ensure that the laws are impartially and fairly enforced and that those who wrong others, or the State, are held accountable.  I promise that I will serve you as your Judge just as I have served you in the past, with fairness, humility, a commitment to honor God in all that I do, and to do what is just and right under the law in all cases.