Jennifer Bedford
2025 - Present
2032
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Jennifer Bedford (Democratic Party) is a judge for Judicial District 10F of the North Carolina 3rd Superior Court Division. She assumed office on January 1, 2025. Her current term ends on December 31, 2032.
Bedford (Democratic Party) ran for election for the Judicial District 10F judge of the North Carolina 3rd Superior Court Division. She won in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Bedford completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Jennifer Bedford was born in Miami, Florida. She served in the U.S. Army from 2002 to 2008. She earned a bachelor's degree from Georgia State University in 2005 and a law degree from Penn State University in 2008. Her career experience includes working as an attorney.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Municipal elections in Wake County, North Carolina (2024)
General election
General election for North Carolina 3rd Superior Court Division Judicial District 10F
Jennifer Bedford defeated incumbent A. Graham Shirley II in the general election for North Carolina 3rd Superior Court Division Judicial District 10F on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Jennifer Bedford (D)  | 53.2 | 72,232 |
 | A. Graham Shirley II (R) | 46.8 | 63,588 | |
| Total votes: 135,820 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Jennifer Bedford advanced from the Democratic primary for North Carolina 3rd Superior Court Division Judicial District 10F.
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent A. Graham Shirley II advanced from the Republican primary for North Carolina 3rd Superior Court Division Judicial District 10F.
Endorsements
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Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Bedford in this election.
2022
See also: Municipal elections in Wake County, North Carolina (2022)
General election
General election for North Carolina District Court District 10F Seat 1
Jennifer Bedford defeated Asia Prince in the general election for North Carolina District Court District 10F Seat 1 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Jennifer Bedford (D) | 61.7 | 49,503 |
| Asia Prince (R) | 38.3 | 30,756 | ||
| Total votes: 80,259 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for North Carolina District Court District 10F Seat 1
Jennifer Bedford defeated Chris Brooks and Sean Ramkaransingh in the Democratic primary for North Carolina District Court District 10F Seat 1 on May 17, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Jennifer Bedford | 56.2 | 6,513 |
 | Chris Brooks | 24.9 | 2,893 | |
 | Sean Ramkaransingh | 18.9 | 2,190 | |
| Total votes: 11,596 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Asia Prince advanced from the Republican primary for North Carolina District Court District 10F Seat 1.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Jennifer Bedford completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Bedford's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Judge Jennifer Bedford is a dedicated public servant. Following the 9/11 attacks, she left college to enlist in the U.S. Army. She served honorably and honed the ability to work both hard and smart. She has spent the last sixteen years improving the justice system in North Carolina.
As a prosecutor, she represented victims of the most serious crimes. Jennifer then worked with legislators without regard to political affiliation to benefit Victims' Rights, Juvenile Justice, and Veterans' Affairs by building bridges and solving problems.
As a Judge, Jennifer has continued her mission to increase community confidence in our justice system. Judge Jennifer Bedford's example of courtesy and professionalism is not only appreciated, it also drives better outcomes.
An enthusiastic ambassador for the courthouse, Jennifer is pleased to promote court technology that can increase transparency and improve efficiency. Judge Bedford is driven to keep justice moving forward.
- Politics have no place in the courtroom. Judge Bedford has a history of proven impartiality and a commitment to transparency. She puts people first and applies the law with fairness and consistency.
- Fairness is bigger than a verdict. Judge Bedford promotes procedural justice by acknowledging every person's dignity and providing the opportunity to be heard. Her approach is increasing confidence in the courts and driving better outcomes.
- Together we can keep moving justice forward. Judge Bedford promotes smart technology to increase accessibility, accountability, and efficiency in the courtroom.
Jennifer is passionate about children's advocacy, restorative justice, and treatment courts for our Veterans. She believes we can work harder and smarter to make our courts more efficient and impactful.
The Hon. Judge Joy Hamilton has set a great example of warmth and professionalism.
Any philosophy is part head and part heart. The song "Alexander Hamilton" from Hamilton is an inspiring tribute about the drive and idealism that built America. The Preamble of the U.S. Constitution is a precious reminder of our shared purpose.
Elected officials must serve the interests of their community with humility and dedication. Anything less damages public confidence and weakens the impact of the courts.
My experience, impartiality, and commitment to community make me a good public servant but it is my compassion and work ethic that make me a good judge.
A Superior Court Judge administers justice without favor, denial, or delay, by presiding over criminal and civil law cases. Extensive research, legal interpretation, and clear communication are essential.
It can take just one attentive authority figure to promote resilience in a child struggling in court and in life. In 30 years when I retire from the bench, I want to leave a legacy of resilient children who approached a crossroads and received the support needed to become leaders. I want to see the result of a court and a community shaped by these children who knew struggle and met success.
I remember watching the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion. I was in first grade.
I was an extra in the film "Doc Hollywood." It was a fun reason to miss a day of a school.
"A Land Remembered" by Patrick D. Smith. It depicts the corruption of our natural environment as a result of the industrial revolution through the personal accounts of several generations of one southern family.
"Shake it Off" by Taylor Swift.
My oldest son was runover in 2022. We are lucky we did not lose him. I am very grateful to the UNC hospital resources.
Judges have a unique opportunity to educate and care for people. In addition to service, scholarship is required. Judges must be lifelong learners in order to keep up with the changing law.
Fairness is more than a verdict. Courts have the opportunity to impact people with procedural justice by providing an impartial process and the opportunity to be heard.
North Carolina recently lost the Hon. Judge Leon Stanback. Judge Stanback was fond of saying that patience is a judge's super power. His example of professionalism is a legacy on its own.
Empathy is essential for impactful leadership. As a judge as well as a candidate, empathy reminds me that we have so much more in common than what separates us.
I am not aware of a Bar Association rating for Wake County Judges.
As a single mom raising children in this community, I am working to make Wake County better for my family and yours.
It is vital for judges to have a proven history of serving the community and acting with impartiality.
Our citizens have lost faith in our judicial system. There is an expectation that court rulings are arbitrary and politically motivated. We must instill confidence with fairness and consistency.
Technology is the greatest opportunity to increase transparency and accessibility. Courthouse leaders must make eCourts the tool it should be.
Higher courts are limited to issues on appeal. That is not where my passion lies. I love trial and the human connections made on the trial level.
I am not familiar with any rating methodology so I can't speak to its accuracy.
What do you say when you see three whales? "Whale. Whale. Whale."
I am proud to have the endorsement of the Wake County Voter Education Coalition.
Our government is "of the people, by the people, for the people." Elected officials owe constitutents transparency and accountability.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2022
Jennifer Bedford completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Bedford's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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After the Army, I spent 7 years in the courtroom handling criminal, juvenile, and traffic court cases. I handled over a thousand District Court and Juvenile Court cases and I went on to prosecute the most serious felonies including murder.
For the last 7 years I have improved the justice system from inside the General Assembly by building bridges and crafting legislation based on compassion and common sense. I have had the privilege of working on victims' rights, juvenile justice, and police reform.
A long-time children's advocate, I am a Guardian ad Litem and I believe children are the best part of any day.
- Keep Moving Justice Forward
- EQUITY. EFFICIENCY. COMPASSION. COMMON SENSE.
- Proven Experience. Proven Impartiality
I am passionate about children's advocacy, juvenile justice, Veterans' affairs, promoting helpful technology, and improving public confidence.
My experience, impartiality, and commitment to community make me a good leader but it is my compassion and work ethic that will make me a great judge.
An elected official must strive every day to serve the community by acting with integrity.
It can take just one attentive authority figure to promote resilience in a child struggling in court and in life. In 30 years when I retire from the bench, I want to leave a legacy of resilient children who approached a crossroads and received the support needed to become leaders. I want to see the result of a court and a community shaped by these children who knew struggle and met success.
I remember watching the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion. I was in first grade.
"A Land Remembered" by Patrick D. Smith. It depicts the corruption of our natural environment as a result of the industrial revolution through the personal accounts of several generations of one southern family.
Newt Scamander, fictional author of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them."
"Live your Life" by T.I. featuring Rihanna.
Although my family struggled, my parents set a sterling example of how hardwork and commitment to community are the cornerstones of a productive life. I was the youngest of four children. My sister was born when my mother was only 17. My mother was a grandmother at 36 years old. My mother worked the 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. shift at a factory for 17 years. Both of my brothers became involved in the court system from an early age.
My mother did not graduate college until her forties but she went on to get a Clinical Masters in Social Work and became an advocate for victims of domestic violence. My father was an all-Army boxing champion who got his graduate education on the G.I. Bill. He taught high school before being recruited to teach high school equivalency in the prison system. He knew the power of empowering others. My military service, victims' advocacy, and career in public service are all rooted in the lessons that my parents lived.
I believe judicial officials have a duty to educate the public in addition to providing fair and consistent rulings.
Judges have a duty to serve the community by providing consistent and fair rulings based on the plain meaning of the law and precedent.
Judge Joy Hamilton, a past Wake County Chief Resident District Court Judge, has set a fantastic example. She is approachable while remaining professiona.l She is fair and consistent. Her work ethic inspires everyone around her and she instills confidence with her dedication to staying apprised of the changes in the law.
Empathy is the quality that inspires connection. It is an important quality for judges and everyone serving the public.
I have had the privilege of working on legislation to expand the jurisdiction of juvenile justice. Our courts now face an expected 60% increase in the number of kids served by our juvenile court. North Carolina has made great strides to let children be children but I am running for Wake County District Court Judge because there is more work to do. Together, we can rise to meet the needs of the 16- and 17-year-olds now eligible to receive juvenile court resources.
It is vital for judges to have a proven history of serving the community.
Our citizens have lost faith in our judicial system. There is an expectation that court rulings are arbitrary and politically motivated. We must instill confidence with fairness and consistency.
Technology is the greatest opportunity to increase information sharing and accessibility.
My passion is juvenile justice and District Court, as the original jurisdiction of Juvenile Court, is a great place for me to make the biggest impact.
What kind of tree can fit in your hand? A palm tree!
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate North Carolina 3rd Superior Court Division Judicial District 10F |
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Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 27, 2022
Federal courts:
Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina
State courts:
Supreme Court of North Carolina • North Carolina Court of Appeals • North Carolina Superior Courts • North Carolina District Courts
State resources:
Courts in North Carolina • North Carolina judicial elections • Judicial selection in North Carolina
