My purpose for seeking reelection is to continue serving our community in the Second Judicial District, which includes Hyde, Beaufort, Martin, Washington and Tyrrell counties.
I was born in Beaufort County and have lived in this Second Judicial District my entire life. I practiced law in North Carolina continuously from the fall of 1987 until Dec. 31, 2010, the day prior to being sworn in as a District Court judge.

Second Judicial District Court candidates state their views

Darrell B. Cayton, Jr. was born in Beaufort County and has lived in the Second Judicial District his entire life.

Today is voting day for the nationwide mid-term election; Hyde ...

Prior to his election, Cayton handled civil and criminal law matters in private practice. During that time, he managed his own law firm for twenty years and was a former attorney at Gaskins & Gaskins, where he began his legal career.

He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1984. Cayton then completed a J.D. at Campbell University, Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, in 1987. He was admitted to practice in North Carolina (1987) and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina (1987).

Judge Darrell B. Cayton, Jr. - Professional Background & Legal Expertise

Darrell B. Cayton, Jr. previously handled civil and criminal law matters in private practice, including managing his own law firm and working as an attorney at Gaskins & Gaskins.

Judge Darrell B. Cayton, Jr. - Professional Background & Legal ...

ELECTION/APPOINTMENT
2010 - 2nd Judicial District Court of North Carolina; 2014 - Re-elected; 2018 - Re-elected; 2022 - Re-elected

Darrell was elected to North Carolina's 2nd Judicial District Court in 2010 and was reelected in 2014, 2018, and 2022.

Darrell currently serves as the district court judge for North Carolina's 2nd Judicial District. He was first elected in 2010 and is serving his fourth consecutive term. 

2026 North Carolina General Election

Managed his own law firm for 20 years, handling civil and criminal law matters in private practice.

Worked as an attorney at Gaskins & Gaskins, where he began his legal career.

Worked as an attorney at Gaskins & Gaskins, where he began his legal career and researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided  legal advice to clients

- Managed his own law firm for 20 years, handling civil and criminal law matters in private practice.
- Worked as an attorney at Gaskins & Gaskins, where he began his legal career and researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided  legal advice to clients

Legal Experience

As of January 5, 2026, Darrell B. Cayton, Jr. did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Administration

My private practice experience made the transition from district court lawyer to district court judge a smooth one.

My judicial philosophy is that there are no second-class citizens. Everyone is treated equally, fairly. It does not matter if a person is male, female, black, white, young, old, rich or poor. I decide cases based upon the evidence presented and the law that applies.

My judicial philosophy is that there are no second-class citizens. Everyone is treated equally, fairly. It does not matter if a person is male, female, black, white, young, old, rich or poor. I decide cases based upon the evidence presented and the law that applies.

Our legal system resolves controversies. Not everyone will be happy with the outcome of their case.

Our legal system resolves controversies. Not everyone will be happy with the outcome of their case. I did not shy away from hard decisions as a lawyer. I have not shied away from hard decisions as a judge and I will not shy away from hard to decisions if reelected.

Believes all people should be treated equally and fairly in court, regardless of personal characteristics or wealth.

Decides cases based on the evidence presented and the applicable law.

Pledges not to shy away from hard decisions if reelected.

- Believes all people should be treated equally and fairly in court, regardless of personal characteristics or wealth.
- Decides cases based on the evidence presented and the applicable law.
- Pledges not to shy away from hard decisions if reelected.

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

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Darrell B. Cayton, Jr.

As of January 5, 2026, Darrell B. Cayton, Jr.’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Darrell Cayton is from Beaufort County, North Carolina. He has a bachelor 27s degree from the University of North Carolina and a law degree from Campbell University.

Before taking the bench, Darrell was an attorney in private practice, specializing in civil and criminal law. He opened his own law office in April 1990 and closed it in December 2010, when he was elected District Court Judge. 

Darrell B. Cayton, Jr. - Ballotpedia

Darrell is currently a district court judge for the 2nd Judicial District. He was first elected to the court in 2010. 

Cayton takes district court judge race

For Candidate Darrell B. Cayton, Jr. on Issue legal-experience:  
Has over 20 years of experience in private practice handling district court criminal, civil, juvenile, and social services cases, facilitating a smooth transition to the role of district court judge.

For Candidate Darrell B. Cayton, Jr. on Issue judicial-philosophy: Believes in treating everyone equally and fairly, deciding cases based on evidence and applicable law.

Pavel Tantchev

Buket Urgen

- 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.