North Carolina

2026 North Carolina General Election

Ben Hunter

- District Court judges hear civil, criminal, and juvenile cases. Civil cases dealing with divorce, child custody, and child support are heard in District Court. 
- Under the District Court, the magistrate can try small claims cases ($10,000 or less), landlord eviction cases, and suits for recovery of personal property. A magistrate is an independent judicial officer, recognized by the North Carolina Constitution as an officer of the district court. 
- District Court Judges are elected for a four-year term. Elections are partisan. 

Judge who handles majority of trial level cases.

Criminal Justice

Property Rights

Legal Experience

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

District Court Judge

Buket Urgen

Ben is a district court judge for Judicial District 9B in Vance and Warren counties. He works at the North Carolina District Court. He previously worked as an assistant district attorney under District Attorney Mike Waters in Vance and Franklin counties.

Ben Hunter sworn in as district court judge | News ...

Ben Hunter is currently a district court judge for North Carolina’s Judicial District 9B in Vance and Warren counties. He was appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper in January to fill the unexpired term of the Honorable J. Henry Banks, who retired that month.

As an assistant district attorney, prosecuted cases in Vance and Franklin counties prior to being appointed as a district court judge.

As of January 5, 2026, Ben Hunter’s website did not contain information on this issue.