Sampson County District Court Judge Robert Gilmore started his campaign for Superior Court Judge following an endorsement from current Judge Henry Stevens IV, who simultaneously declined reelection.
On Sunday, Judge Stevens of Judicial District 5 ,which includes Duplin, Sampson, Jones and Onslow counties, announced that he would not be seeking reelection as a Superior Court Judge. In the same announcement, Stevens made an endorsement for Sampson County District Court Judge Robert Gilmore to take on the role.
“Serving the people of this district has been one of the greatest honors of my life,’ said Stevens. “I was honored to follow a line of great judges in this district, including my own father and grandfather, as well as Judge Rusty Lanier, Judge Russell Lanier, Judge Doug Parsons, and Judge Albert Kirby. With this position on the ballot in 2026, I am looking forward to passing the baton to another person to fill this great responsibility. I can think of no one more qualified, with greater integrity, fairness, and knowledge, than Judge Robert Gilmore.”
Stevens has served in the position since 2019. Prior to his Superior Court service, Stevens served as a District Court judge for Duplin, Jones, Sampson and Onslow counties from 1999-2018. In addition, Stevens has served in the North Carolina National Guard, including serving as a military judge and Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, before retiring with the rank of colonel. In his endorsement, Stevens spoke very highly of Gilmore, who currently serves as a judge, also for District 5.
“He embodies the values this office demands — legal skill, humility, diligence, compassion — and I am confident he will carry forward the legacy of impartial justice and service to our communities,” said Stevens.
In response to the endorsement, Gilmore quickly released his own statement accepting the nomination and announcing the start of his campaign for the position.
“Judge Stevens has set the standard of fairness, professionalism and unwavering dedication to the law to which each of us in the judiciary should aspire,” said Gilmore. “In a role that demands diligence, Judge Stevens has always been a work horse for the judiciary. I am humbled by his confidence and this opportunity. If elected to the Superior Court, I will honor his work, uphold the dignity of the judiciary, protect the rights of all citizens, and serve the people of Eastern North Carolina with the same devotion that has defined his tenure.”
Gilmore, a native of the Keener community in Sampson County, was first elected to the role of District Court Judge in 2020. After graduating from Hobbton High School, Gilmore attended the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University, where he earned his degree in the field and graduated as valedictorian. Prior to his election as judge, Gilmore practiced law in Clinton and served as a prosecutor handling serious felony cases including murder, rape and armed robbery.
Gilmore stated that his vision for the role includes “maintaining high ethical standards, treating every individual with respect, assuring that victims’ voices are heard, providing access to the courts and working cooperatively with court staff, attorneys and the community to foster public trust in the judiciary.”