Who’s Running for Wake County District Attorney (DA) in 2026, and What to Know
Three Democrats are vying to succeed longtime Wake County DA Lorrin Freeman. With no Republican candidates, the March 3rd primary will likely decide the race.
Raleigh, Feb. 10, 2026 — Wake County voters will select a new District Attorney this year, as longtime DA Lorrin Freeman is not seeking re-election after more than a decade in office. The District Attorney serves as the county’s chief prosecutor, shaping how serious criminal cases are charged, prosecuted, and resolved.
Because no Republican candidates filed for the open seat, the March 3rd Democratic primary is expected to determine who advances to, and likely wins, the November general election.
The District Attorney oversees felony prosecutions and many serious misdemeanors, sets office-wide prosecutorial priorities, and exercises broad discretion in areas such as plea agreements, diversion programs, sentencing recommendations, and coordination with law enforcement agencies. With no incumbent on the ballot, the race presents voters with a rare opportunity to choose among competing visions for how the office should operate.
Ahead of the primary, voters are encouraged to check their voter registration status and update their information if needed through the North Carolina State Board of Elections at ncsbe.gov.
Democratic Candidates for Wake County District Attorney
(Listed alphabetically by last name)
Wiley Nickel
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Background:
Wiley Nickel is an attorney and former U.S. congressman who represented North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District from 2023 to 2025. He previously served two terms in the North Carolina Senate and has practiced as a criminal defense attorney in Wake County.
Platform:
Nickel’s campaign focuses on public safety, accountability, and restoring trust in the justice system. His website emphasizes supporting victims, working with law enforcement, and ensuring the justice system works fairly for all residents.
Announcement of Candidacy:
Nickel entered the race after deciding not to seek re-election to Congress, framing his campaign as an effort to bring broad legal and public-service experience to Wake County’s top prosecutorial role.
Website: https://www.wileynickel.com/
Melanie Shekita
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Background:
Melanie Shekita is a longtime Wake County prosecutor with more than two decades of experience in the Wake County District Attorney’s Office. She has led the Special Victims Unit and prosecuted serious, violent, and sexual assault cases, giving her extensive experience within the office she seeks to lead.
Platform:
Shekita’s campaign emphasizes prosecuting violent crime, supporting victims, maintaining accountability within the justice system, and ensuring the DA’s office operates with professionalism and integrity.
Announcement of Candidacy:
Shekita launched her campaign following Freeman’s retirement announcement, positioning herself as a candidate offering continuity, institutional knowledge, and prosecutorial experience.
Website: https://www.shekitaforwake.com/
Sherita Walton
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Background:
Sherita Walton is an attorney with more than 20 years of legal experience, including service as an Assistant District Attorney in Wake County and as a prosecutor in Manhattan. She currently works as a Senior Associate City Attorney for the City of Raleigh, where she advises and trains police officers on constitutional policing and legal standards.
Platform:
Walton’s campaign highlights a commitment to prosecuting violent crime, promoting fairness and transparency, strengthening public trust in the justice system, and expanding diversion and prevention-focused approaches where appropriate.
Announcement of Candidacy:
Walton announced her run after Freeman declined to seek another term, framing her campaign around reform-minded leadership and community trust. If elected, she would become Wake County’s first Black district attorney.
Website: https://www.waltonforwake.com/
Early Voting in Wake County
For the March 3, 2026 primary, early voting in North Carolina, including Wake County, runs from Thursday, February 12th through Saturday, February 28th. Early voting ends at 3 p.m. on the final day.
During the early voting period, voters may cast a ballot at any early voting location in Wake County, regardless of precinct. Same-day voter registration is available at early voting sites. You can find an early voting location here - https://vt.ncsbe.gov/evsite/
What Happens Next
Primary Election: Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026
General Election: Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026
Because no Republican candidates filed for the seat, the Democratic primary is expected to determine the next Wake County District Attorney.