Candidate website

Cheryl Andrews McDonald earned a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a law degree from Wake Forest University.

Cheryl is an attorney. She works at her solo law practice in Winston-Salem, where she focuses on civil and criminal litigation. She previously worked at a private law firm in Winston-Salem, which she joined in 2011, and before that spent several years as a criminal defense attorney with the Forsyth County Public Defender’s office.

Cheryl previously worked as an attorney at the Holton Law Firm and as an attorney with the Forsyth County Public Defender's Office.

Cheryl currently serves as the district court judge for North Carolina Judicial District 31. She was first appointed in 2025, and is serving her first term.

As an attorney at the Law Office of Cheryl McDonald, specializes in family law, including divorce, child custody, and adoption.

As an attorney, Cheryl specialized in family law, including divorce, child custody, and adoption.

- As an attorney, Cheryl specialized in family law, including divorce, child custody, and adoption.

Legal Experience

As of January 2, 2026, Cheryl Andrews McDonald’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Volunteers with local organizations that support families in need and advocates for children's rights.

- Volunteers with local organizations that support families in need and advocates for children's rights.

Community Involvement

Facebook

Cheryl Andrews McDonald

Emileigh Crouch

Buket Urgen

Lauren Tuttle is from New York City. She attended Salem College. She has a daughter.

Lauren A. Tuttle is originally from New York City and later settled in North Carolina. She has a bachelor’s degree from Salem College and later completed a law degree from Charlotte School of Law. Lauren lives with her partner and their one child.

Lauren has experience in hospitality, financial services, and retail customer service. 

Lauren currently works as an assistant public defender with the Forsyth County Public Defender’s Office. She previously worked as a solo attorney in private practice, as an associate attorney at Quander & Rubain, a law firm, and earlier in customer service and management roles in the hospitality industry.

Lauren previously ran for North Carolina District Court judge in 2024 but did not win.

Said, "I am the only candidate with 25 years of extensive experience in both family law and criminal law matters."

As an assistant public defender, provides representation to those who do not have a lawyer to defend them in court. 

As an associate at Quander & Rubain, handled cases related to family law, civil law, and criminal defense.

- As an assistant public defender, provides representation to those who do not have a lawyer to defend them in court. 
- As an associate at Quander & Rubain, handled cases related to family law, civil law, and criminal defense.

As of January 2, 2026, Lauren A. Tuttle’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes "justice must be accessible to all" and that "everyone matters regardless of age, race, origin, wealth, or lack thereof."

- Believes "justice must be accessible to all" and that "everyone matters regardless of age, race, origin, wealth, or lack thereof."

LinkedIn

Lauren A. Tuttle

Lauren A. Tuttle is originally from New York City and later settled in North Carolina. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Salem College and later completed a law degree from Charlotte School of Law. Lauren lives with her partner and their one child.

- Has legal experience across public defense, private practice, and courtroom work in family law, civil matters, and criminal defense.

- Supports treating all individuals equally in court and ensuring fair access to justice.

- Engages with the community through professional legal work and local involvement.

Lauren is originally from New York City and later settled in North Carolina. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Salem College and later completed a law degree from Charlotte School of Law. Lauren lives with her partner and their one child.

- 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. 

North Carolina District Court Judge, District 31, Democratic Primary

Election results

Candidates (2)

Compare candidates

Legal Experience

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement