Dale Hamby announces his candidacy for 36th District Superior Court judge

After more than 35 years of law practice, Caldwell County native Dale Hamby will  be on the Republican primary ballot in March 2026 with hopes of being sent to the general election next fall for the seat currently held by retiring Superior Court Judge Robert C. Ervin.

Hamby has practiced law for 35 years with his wife, attorney Penelope J. Hamby.  He has extensive civil trial experience in Superior Court, in cases involving personal injury, contract law, rights of way issues, boundary line disputes, and land title issues. 

Hamby represented clients before the Industrial Commission, the North Carolina Court of Appeals, and the North Carolina Supreme Court.  He also served as an expert witness for real property issues in Superior Court cases brought by other attorneys.

Hamby, a retired commander (0-5) in the United States Naval Reserve, served active duty in the Persian Gulf during the “Tanker Wars,” on drug interdiction missions in the Caribbean with the U.S. Coast Guard, and in the Mediterranean on board the USS Semmes (DDG-18), as both boilers officer and assistant navigator. 

As a Reserve officer, Commander Hamby commanded several Reserve units and qualified as a battle watch commander in the Commander in Chief, Atlantic Fleet “War Room.” For his service, Hamby was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal, along with two U.S. Coast Guard medals.  He was one of a few Naval Reserve surface warfare officers selected to attend the Naval War College in Newport, R.I.

His community service has included nonprofit boards, including the J.E. and Satie Broyhill Senior Center, Caldwell County Habitat for Humanity, Caldwell County Heritage Museum, and the Caldwell Baptist Association. 

Hamby currently serves as vice chairman of the Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute Board of Trustees, where he has served for more than 14 years.  Hamby is also a past president of the Rotary Club of Granite Falls.

Hamby, an Eagle Scout and the father of two Eagle Scouts, served as a Scout leader for more than 20 years. Hamby is Wood Badge trained and served as director of a National Youth Leadership Training Course, as well as the chairman of the Foothills District Eagle Scout Qualification Board. 

“I was taught, from an early age, to give back to my community and I think anyone who runs for public office should first earn the public’s trust by actively participating in organizations and activities that help improve quality of life for all community members," Hamby said. "Throughout my career, I worked to be an active servant for my community. 

"The cases being heard at the North Carolina Court of Appeals and the North Carolina Supreme Court show that our district needs another judge with a strong background in civil litigation, particularly in real property issues and I believe my almost 35 years’ experience in those issues makes me the best choice for Superior Court judge. I would be honored to follow the examples set by our past judges and continue that tradition of service to the citizens of Caldwell and Burke counties as their next Superior Court judge.”