Ben Scales has a bachelor 27s degree in industrial engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a law degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. He and his wife, Cate, have three children together. Ben has lived in Asheville since 2002.

Ben has a bachelor 's degree in industrial engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a law degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. He and his wife, Cate, have three children together. Ben has lived in Asheville since 2002.

Ben is an attorney. He previously served as a law clerk for judges on the United States Court of Federal Claims and the United States District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands. He also served as secretary and treasurer of the North Carolina Cannabis Patients Network. 

Ben C Scales Jr, Asheville North Carolina Attorney on NORML ...

Ben Scales is an attorney. He previously served as a law clerk for judges on the United States Court of Federal Claims and the United States District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands. He also served as secretary and treasurer of the North Carolina Cannabis Patients Network. 

Ben previously ran for district attorney in 2014 but did not win.

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Ben previously ran for district attorney in 2014 but did not win. Ben also ran for North Carolina State Senate to represent District 49 in 2020, but did not win.

As a lawyer, Scales focuses on protecting clients' civil and contractual rights while advocating for changes in outdated laws.

- As a lawyer, Scales focuses on protecting clients' civil and contractual rights while advocating for changes in outdated laws.

Legal Experience

As of January 2, 2026, Ben Scales’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Ben Scales Law | NC Legal Marketing

Supports protecting individual rights and addressing laws he views as outdated or unjust.

- Supports protecting individual rights and addressing laws he views as outdated or unjust.

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Serves as President of the Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County and previously as President of the PTO at his children’s elementary school.

Founding board member of the Southeast Regional Folk Alliance and provided legal advice to Folk Alliance International.

Volunteers building houses for Habitat for Humanity in Asheville several Saturdays a year.

- Serves as President of the Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County and previously as President of the PTO at his children’s elementary school.
- Founding board member of the Southeast Regional Folk Alliance and provided legal advice to Folk Alliance International.
- Volunteers building houses for Habitat for Humanity in Asheville several Saturdays a year.

Community Involvement

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Ben Scales

Ben Scales has a bachelor 's degree in industrial engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a law degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. He and his wife, Cate, have three children together. Ben has lived in Asheville since 2002.

As of January 2, 2026, Ben Scales did not have a website or any information online.

Ben Scales has a bachelor 27s degree in industrial engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a law degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. He and his wife, Cate, have three children together. 

Ben is a lawyer and an activist. He serves as the president of his own law firm, Ben Scales Law, where he focuses on civil rights, marijuana law, and intellectual property law. He previously served as a law clerk for judges on the United States Court of Federal Claims and the United States District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands. Ben is also a musician and a member of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML).

Emileigh Crouch

Buket Urgen

James Mills is from eastern North Carolina. He has a bachelor 27s degree from the University of North Carolina and a law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law. He lives in Buncombe County.

James Mills is from eastern North Carolina. He has a bachelor 's degree from the University of North Carolina and a law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law. He lives in Buncombe County.

James is an attorney and a board-certified specialist in family law. He has received several accolades, including the "Super Lawyer" designation, the "Top Attorney" designation, and the "Most Honored Professionals" award. He also received the "Client Distinction Award" from Martindale-Hubbell.

James is an attorney and a family law specialist. 

James is currently a North Carolina District Court Judge, District 40, Seat 3.

Buncombe, Asheville full list of primary candidates 2026

Has 25 years of legal experience, resolving cases at every court level and handling misdemeanors, felonies, custody disputes, and business litigation.

- Has 25 years of legal experience, resolving cases at every court level and handling misdemeanors, felonies, custody disputes, and business litigation.

As of January 2, 2026, James H. Mills’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ballotepedia

Said, "As a Judge, I will be ready to show compassion and opportunity to each person, case, and situation that is in front of me, regardless of race, gender, identity, or socio-economic status. Every person deserves to be heard in a court of law, and in my courtroom, I will listen attentively."

Supports finding "better solutions" such as diversion programs, treatment court, and community resources.

- Said, "As a Judge, I will be ready to show compassion and opportunity to each person, case, and situation that is in front of me, regardless of race, gender, identity, or socio-economic status. Every person deserves to be heard in a court of law, and in my courtroom, I will listen attentively."
- Supports finding "better solutions" such as diversion programs, treatment court, and community resources.

James H. Mills

James H. Mills's campaign for North Carolina District Court Judge, District 40, is his first time running for public office.

Said, "My priorities are to follow my oath and uphold the dignity of being a District Court Judge and the court system as a whole. I am a champion of honest and transparent leadership and will lead with integrity while staying true to the law."

Promises to be a "champion of honest and transparent leadership" who leads with integrity.

Seeks to join the "legacy and leadership of the Buncombe County bench."

- 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 40, Democratic Primary

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Legal Experience

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement