Gilmore’s background reflects deep roots in Sampson County and a strong academic and professional record. A native of Keener and graduate of Campbell University, he distinguished himself at Campbell Law School by graduating as valedictorian.

Judge Stevens will not seek reelection, endorses Judge Gilmore for Superior Court

Gilmore was first elected as a district court judge in 2020 following a landslide election.

He earned his law degree from Campbell University at the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, where he graduated valedictorian. Before his election to the bench, Gilmore practiced law in Clinton and served as a prosecutor handling serious felony cases.

Judge Stevens endorses Gilmore for Superior Court

Robert H. Gilmore is originally from Keener. He earned a law degree from Campbell University at the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law.

Judge Gilmore enters 2026 race with key endorsement – Duplin ...

Judge Stevens endorses Gilmore for Superior Court | Local News ...

He earned his law degree from Campbell University at the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, where he graduated valedictorian. Before his election to the bench, Gilmore practiced law in Clinton and served as a prosecutor handling serious felony cases.

If elected as Superior Court judge, he said he intends to build on his record of fairness, timely case-management, accessibility to litigants and dedication to ensuring that justice is administered without favor or delay.

Robert H. Gilmore previously practiced law in Clinton and served as a prosecutor handling serious felony cases.

The Honorable Robert Gilmore ‘12 was re-elected to N.C. District Court Judge District 5 Seat 5.
The Honorable James “Jim” Moore Jr. ‘85 was re-elected to N.C. District Court Judge District 5 Seat 6.
The Honorable William “Billy” Sutton Jr. ‘81 was re-elected to N.C. District Court Judge District 5 Seat 8.

Campbell Law alumni elected across North Carolina

Robert was first elected as a district court judge in 2020. He was reelected as a North Carolina district court judge for District 5, Seat 5.

Campbell Law alumni elected across North Carolina - News ...

Robert serves as a North Carolina District Court judge for Judicial District 5 and was first elected in 2020. 

2026 North Carolina General Election

Gilmore’s background reflects deep roots in Sampson County and a strong academic and professional record. A native of Keener and graduate of Campbell University, he distinguished himself at Campbell Law School by graduating as valedictorian. Before becoming a District Court judge for North Carolina’s Judicial District 5 (Sampson, Duplin, Jones and Onslow counties) in 2020, he practiced law in Clinton and served as a prosecutor, handling major felony cases such as murder, rape, and armed robbery.

Practiced as an attorney in Clinton before becoming a judge.

Served as a prosecutor handling major felony cases involving murder, rape, and armed robbery.

Serves as a North Carolina District Court judge for Judicial District 5 and was first elected in 2020.

As a state district court judge, he oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

- Served as a prosecutor handling major felony cases involving murder, rape, and armed robbery.
- As a state district court judge, he oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

Legal Experience

Gilmore was first elected as a district court judge in 2020 following a landslide election.

He earned his law degree from Campbell University at the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, where he graduated valedictorian. Before his election to the bench, Gilmore practiced law in Clinton and served as a prosecutor handling serious felony cases.

If elected as Superior Court judge, he said he intends to build on his record of fairness, timely case-management, accessibility to litigants and dedication to ensuring that justice is administered without favor or delay.

Gilmore’s vision for the role includes maintaining high ethical standards, treating every individual with respect, assuring that victims’ voices are heard, providing access to the courts, and working cooperatively with court staff, attorneys and the community to foster public trust.

Plans to prioritize timely case management, access for litigants, and the administration of justice without favor or delay.

- Plans to prioritize timely case management, access for litigants, and the administration of justice without favor or delay.

Judicial Administration

Gilmore said Stevens set the standard of fairness, professionalism and an unwavering dedication to the law.

He called Stevens a “work horse” for the judiciary.

“I am humbled by his confidence and this opportunity,” Gilmore said. “If elected to the Superior Court, I will honor his work, uphold the dignity of the judiciary, protect the rights of all citizens and serve the people of eastern North Carolina with the same devotion that has defined his tenure.”

Pledges to uphold judicial dignity and protect the rights of all citizens if elected to the Superior Court.

Pledges to uphold judicial dignity and protect the rights of all citizens.

- Pledges to uphold judicial dignity and protect the rights of all citizens.

Judicial Philosophy

As of January 5, 2026, Robert H. Gilmore did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

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Robert H. Gilmore

- Serves as a North Carolina District Court judge for Judicial District 5 and was first elected in 2020.

As of January 5, 2026, Robert H. Gilmore’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Robert H. Gilmore is originally from Keener. He graduated from Campbell University and Campbell Law School, where he was valedictorian.

Robert previously practiced law in Clinton and served as a prosecutor.

Campbell Law alumni elected across North Carolina
NOVEMBER 20, 2024

The Honorable Robert Gilmore ‘12 was re-elected to N.C. District Court Judge District 5 Seat 5.

Robert was re-elected as a North Carolina District Court judge for District 5, Seat 5, in 2024.

Was re-elected as a North Carolina District Court judge for District 5 in 2024.

Practiced law in Clinton before becoming a District Court judge in 2020.

Served as a prosecutor handling major felony cases, including murder, rape, and armed robbery.

Plans to build on timely case management, litigant access, and justice administered without favor or delay.

Pledges to uphold the judiciary's dignity, protect all citizens' rights, and serve eastern North Carolina with dedication.

Robert Gilmore is from Keener, North Carolina. He has a law degree from Campbell University. 

Robert is a district court judge. He has served on the bench for five years. 

Robert is currently a superior court judge for North Carolina's District 5. He was first elected in 2019. Before that, he served as a district court judge for five years.

As a prosecutor, Gilmore handled serious felony cases before his election to the bench.

For Candidate Robert H. Gilmore on Issue judicial-administration: Plans to build on a record of fairness, timely case management, accessibility to litigants, and dedication to administering justice without favor or delay if elected as Superior Court judge.

Isaac Brickman

Buket Urgen

- The Superior Court Judge hears both civil and criminal cases. Superior Court Judges try civil cases involving more than $10,000. Superior Court Judge hear appeals of misdemeanors and infraction cases that were first heard in the District Court,
- They make decisions on bail, meaning a Superior Court Judge could keep a non-dangerous person in jail before they are convicted by setting a high bail.
- In each district (except Wake County), the most senior judge in years of service is designated the senior resident superior court judge. They are responsible for various administrative duties, including appointing magistrates and some other court officials, and managing the scheduling of civil cases for trial.
- Superior court judges rotate among the districts within their divisions.  
- The Superior Court Judge is elected for 8-year terms. Elections are partisan.

Trial Judge who hears criminal and civil cases