George C. Bell

Political Experience? Yes

Republican George Cooper Bell, serves as a Superior Court Judge in Mecklenburg County.

Judge George Bell has dedicated over two decades to the law in North Carolina. Serving as a Superior Court Judge since 2019, he has presided over more than 100 felony jury trials, including high-stakes cases involving first-degree murder and violent crimes. A Cornell-educated leader and former wrestling captain, Judge Bell brings discipline, integrity, and legal excellence to the bench.

Races

Race	Election Year	Election Level	Election Type
N.C. Court of Appeals Judge, Seat 2	2026	State	General

North Carolina Court of Appeals judges are statewide roles, meaning voters across all 100 counties in North Carolina vote in these races. The court, which is made up of 15 judges who hear cases in three-person panels, is the state’s intermediate appellate court and hears appeals from lower courts in both civil and criminal cases.

Requirements and duties:

Judges on the North Carolina Court of Appeals serve eight-year terms.

They must be licensed attorneys and are responsible for reviewing lower court decisions, interpreting state law, and issuing written opinions.

The Court of Appeals plays a major role in shaping legal precedent in North Carolina and often hears cases involving constitutional rights, criminal justice and civil disputes.

Incumbent Democrat Toby Hampson faces Republican George Cooper Bell. Hampson is seeking reelection for his second term. Bell serves as a Superior Court Judge in Mecklenburg County. Judicial races in North Carolina identify candidates’ parties on the ballot, though judges are expected to be nonpartisan in decision-making. Republicans hold 12 of the 15 seats on the N.C. Court of Appeals.