North Carolina

2026 North Carolina General Election

Donna Forga

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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

Donna is from Clyde, North Carolina. She attended the University of North Carolina at Asheville. She has a juris doctor degree in law from the University of North Carolina School of Law. She lives with her spouse and two teenage children in Clyde. She attends New Covenant Church.

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As a district court judge for 15 years, Forga oversees civil and criminal trials outside the jurisdiction of lower courts and exercises exclusive authority to grant divorces, annulments, and legal separations.

Has experience as an attorney in district, superior, federal, and tribal courts.

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

Has spoken to community groups about the justice system.

Served as a member of the DWI (driving while intoxicated) Taskforce.

Is a member of the 30th Judicial District Alliance, which focuses on domestic violence and sexual abuse.

Plans to help create a recovery/sobriety court in Haywood County.