North Carolina

2026 North Carolina General Election

Brent Cloninger

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- 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

Brent Cloninger is currently a district court judge representing the 19A Judicial District. He was elected in 2010 and has served two terms.

Brent Cloninger - Ballotpedia

2026 Republican Candidates - Cabarrus County Republican Party

As a District Court Judge, Cloninger oversees civil, juvenile, and misdemeanor criminal cases, and conducts preliminary hearings in criminal cases involving charges that are felonies.

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