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Janelle Cline has a bachelor's degree in communication studies and political science from University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a master's degree in broadcast journalism from University of Maryland, and a law degree from University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She lives in Wilmington with her husband, Jason, and their three children. They attend Lifepoint Church.

Janelle currently works as a financial crimes resource prosecutor for the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys. She previously worked as assistant district attorney in North Carolina's Sixth Prosecutorial District, general counsel at Alpha Mortgage, attorney at Cline Law Group, law clerk at the Arkansas Court of Appeals, and news anchor at KATV in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Janelle L. Cline ran for North Carolina District Court judge in 2026 but did not win.

Pender County Board of Elections Announces Primary Election ...

Janelle ran for North Carolina District Court judge in 2026 but did not win.

As an assistant district attorney for one and a half years, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.

As a legal associate/attorney at Cline Law Group for two years, researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in business law, real estate, and regulatory compliance.

- As an assistant district attorney for one and a half years, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.
- As a legal associate/attorney at Cline Law Group for two years, researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in business law, real estate, and regulatory compliance.

Legal Experience

As of January 5, 2026, Janelle L. Cline’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Believes it is the role of a judge to "interpret and apply the law as written."

Prioritizes treating every person with fairness and respect.

- Believes it is the role of a judge to "interpret and apply the law as written."
- Prioritizes treating every person with fairness and respect.

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Served as a group leader at Lifepoint Church.

- Served as a group leader at Lifepoint Church.

Community Involvement

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Janelle L. Cline

Candidate website

Linkedin

Janelle currently works as a financial crimes resource prosecutor. She previously worked as an assistant district attorney, law clerk, and news anchor.

Who is running for office in Wilmington, NC, in 2026?

As of January 5, 2026, Janelle L. Cline did not have a website or any information online.

- 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. 