Dorothy Hairston Mitchell
Democratic · NC · Judge, North Carolina District Court (Durham County)
Dorothy Hairston Mitchell has been a Durham County district court judge since she was appointed in December 2021. She earned her college and law degrees at North Carolina Central University.
Track record
Track record — General
General · 6 records
Received the People’s Alliance PAC endorsement for the 2026 Durham District Court Seat 4 race.
January 14, 2026
Source: peoplesalliancepac.org
Awarded a larger share of marital property to a husband in an equitable-distribution case. The Court of Appeals later upheld her ruling.
August 11, 2022
Source: nccourts.gov
Joined the Durham County District Court after Governor Roy Cooper appointed her to a vacancy.
December 3, 2021
Source: governor.nc.gov
Became chair of the North Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense Services after its members elected her.
October 29, 2021
Source: ncids.org
Represented a mother appealing termination of her parental rights. The North Carolina Supreme Court upheld the termination.
April 23, 2021
Source: nccourts.gov
Represented a father appealing termination of his parental rights. The North Carolina Supreme Court ordered a new look at guardianship for his older child but upheld termination for his younger child.
December 11, 2020
Source: nccourts.gov
Past race Dorothy Hairston Mitchell ran in:
- NC District Court Judge District 16 Seat 04 · November 3, 2026 · Durham County, North Carolina · incumbent