In three of the four races, incumbents were re-elected to their seats, but incumbent Court of Appeals Judge Cressie Thigpen (who had never been elected but rather was appointed to fill a vacancy on the court) was defeated by Chris Dillon.

North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge Sam J. Ervin IV challenged Newby in the general election.

[2] Justice at Stake estimated that total spending by Newby, Ervin, and outside groups in this contest surpassed $4.4 million, breaking North Carolina records for spending in judicial elections.

[16] Judge Linda McGee ran for re-election to a third full term.

He was challenged by attorney/bank executive Chris Dillon, who ran for a seat on the Court of Appeals in 2010.