Forga finished the Business Administration program at HCC in 1991 as the first in her family to get a college degree. She continued her education at UNCA where she received a Bachelor’s degree in literature and language. In 2000, she finished law school at Chapel Hill.

District judge receives HCC alum award

Judge Donna Forga has been appointed to serve as chief district court judge for Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties (Judicial District 43). Judge Forga was first elected to the bench in 2010. She received her undergraduate degree from University of North Carolina Asheville and her law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law. Prior to her election, Judge Forga was in private practice and later a staff attorney for Legal Aid of North Carolina. Judge Forga replaces Judge Roy Wijewickrama, who was appointed to superior court judge by Governor Roy Cooper.

Chief Justice Paul Newby Appoints Chief District Court Judges in Districts 9 and 43

Donna Forga earned a bachelor's degree in literature and language from the University of North Carolina Asheville and a law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law.

Governor appoints new WNC judge

Chief Justice Paul Newby Appoints Chief District Court Judges in ...

Donna Forga previously worked in private practice and later as a staff attorney for Legal Aid of North Carolina.

Forga was first elected as District Court Judge in 2010 and was re-elected in 2014. She is one of six rotating judges for seven counties including: Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain.

Donna was first elected as a District Court Judge in 2010 and was reelected in 2014.

2026 North Carolina General Election

Has served as a district court judge since first being elected to the bench in 2010.

Worked in private legal practice before being elected to the bench.

Served as a staff attorney for Legal Aid of North Carolina before being elected to the bench.

- Has served as a district court judge since first being elected to the bench in 2010.
- Worked in private legal practice before being elected to the bench.
- Served as a staff attorney for Legal Aid of North Carolina before being elected to the bench.

Legal Experience

Reason for seeking public office: District Court is the court most likely directly impact children and families. Our family, juvenile and DSS courts can positively influence, protect and order services where there would otherwise be an unmet need. In criminal court I have always tried to treat everyone with respect regardless of why they are there, and to be firm but fair in my judgment. I am seeking my fourth term as District Court Judge and I am eager to meet the new challenges of a growing caseloads and implementation of speciality courts in our district.

Meet the court personnel on the ballot this year

Said she was eager to address a growing caseload and implement specialty courts in the district.

- Said she was eager to address a growing caseload and implement specialty courts in the district.

Judicial Administration

Said she seeks to treat everyone in criminal court with respect and be firm but fair in her judgments.

Plans to treat everyone in criminal court with respect and be firm but fair in her judgments.

- Plans to treat everyone in criminal court with respect and be firm but fair in her judgments.

Judicial Philosophy

As of January 5, 2026, Donna Forga did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

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Donna Forga

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

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.

New chief district court judge appointed to NC's westernmost counties

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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.

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.

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.