Ameshia Cooper Chester is from Durham, North Carolina. She has a law degree from the University of Charlotte School of Law.

Who's Running: Durham County DA, Sheriff, and Judiciary

Ameshia is from Durham, North Carolina. She has a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina - Greensboro and a law degree from the University of Charlotte School of Law. She has a husband and son, and she is a member of the Union Baptist Church. 

Ameshia is a special deputy attorney general at the North Carolina Department of Justice. She previously worked as a prosecutor in the Durham County District Attorney's Office.

Ameshia is currently a special deputy attorney general at the North Carolina Department of Justice. She previously worked as a prosecutor. 

Ameshia previously ran for North Carolina Superior Court judge in 2026 but did not win.

Ameshia Cooper Chester's campaign for Superior Court Judge is her first run for public office.

Ameshia Cooper Chester Resume

Ameshia Cooper Chester Bio

As a special deputy attorney general, prosecutes tax law violations and represents the state in criminal appellate matters, and previously served as a prosecutor in the district attorney’s office, gaining experience in criminal law at the local level.

As a special deputy attorney general, prosecutes tax law violations and represents the state in criminal appellate matters, drafts indictments, conducts bond and probable cause hearings, and negotiate plea agreements. 

As a prosecutor, guided victims through the justice system while protecting the rights of the accused, reviewed case facts, researched legal precedent, evaluated cases for trial, negotiated with defense counsel, and prosecuted crimes.

- As a special deputy attorney general, prosecutes tax law violations and represents the state in criminal appellate matters, drafts indictments, conducts bond and probable cause hearings, and negotiate plea agreements. 
- As a prosecutor, guided victims through the justice system while protecting the rights of the accused, reviewed case facts, researched legal precedent, evaluated cases for trial, negotiated with defense counsel, and prosecuted crimes.

Legal Experience

As of January 2, 2026, Ameshia Cooper Chester’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Believes in accountable, community-centered approach that seeks "justice for everyone", including low-income, black and brown communities.

As a prosecutor, advocated for eliminating laws that criminalized poverty.

- Believes in accountable, community-centered approach that seeks "justice for everyone", including low-income, black and brown communities.
- As a prosecutor, advocated for eliminating laws that criminalized poverty.

Judicial Philosophy

Opposes corporate political action committees, or corporate donations, gathered to finance politics and politicians.

- Opposes corporate political action committees, or corporate donations, gathered to finance politics and politicians.

Ethics & Conduct

Actively mentors law students and volunteers at Durham County Teen Court and Restitution Program

- Actively mentors law students and volunteers at Durham County Teen Court and Restitution Program

Community Involvement

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Ameshia Cooper Chester

Candidate website

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- 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.