Tom Murry is a candidate for North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge Seat 12. His name will appear on the ballot on November 5, 2024.
Murry is being challenged by Carolyn Jennings Thompson for the seat.
The first day of in-person early voting at your local registrar’s office in North Carolina is Oct. 17, 2024. NC voters can check their registration status using the Voter Search tool on the State Board of Elections website.
10 On Your Side reached out to all of the candidates running in this race, with a request for a bio and a list of questions to answer. If you do not see the candidate listed with a profile, we did not receive one.
Name: Tom Murry
Age: 47
Race: North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge Seat 12
Party: Republican
Website: www.jointom.com
Biography: Tom Murry is a State prosecutor, attorney, pharmacist, and Army veteran, but most importantly Tom is a husband and father of 3. Tom served in elected office at the municipal and legislative levels for almost 10 years. While serving in the legislature, Tom joined the NC Army National Guard as a 37-year-old father of 3 and currently serves as a Major. He deployed to the Middle East in 2017-18. Tom has a wide array of legal experience in the Judicial Branch, serving as Chief of Staff at the NC Judicial Branch, working with the Chief Justice to improve our court system, and as a State Prosecutor focused on felony drug crimes. He has helped Soldiers, their families, and military retirees with wills and estate planning, family law matters, and consumer protection cases.
Why are you running for office?
I’m running for the NC Court of Appeals because judges are the last line of defense to defend our rights enshrined in the Constitution. Over the past 23 years, whether as an Army Veteran, former legislator, pharmacist, or State prosecutor, I have earned a reputation as an effective advocate who achieves common sense results. I have a broad range of public and private sector experience. This real-world experience has prepared me to serve as an NC Court of Appeals Judge.
If you are elected, what will be your top priority in office?
The independence of the Judiciary is my top priority as a Judge. The Judiciary is an independent branch of government. Other branches of government are responsible for policy-making and carrying out laws. As a former legislator, I understand separation of powers. I know how laws are made. As a State prosecutor, I have firsthand experience on how laws are executed in the courtroom. As a Judge, I will continue to uphold the Constitution as the sole authority I will consider in my work on the NC Court of Appeals to promote judicial restraint and preserve separation of powers.
What is the top challenge facing North Carolina, and how would you address it?
Public trust in the courts is undermined when activist judges do not uphold the Constitution and legislate from the bench. As a member of the NC Army National Guard and a State Prosecutor, I took an oath to support and maintain the US and NC constitutions. As a Judge, I will continue to uphold the Constitution. The oath of office also involves my pledge to be faithful to and bear true allegiance to established constitutional powers to the best of my knowledge and ability. The plain words of our Constitution should serve as the primary guide when interpreting laws.
What is an issue in North Carolina you feel not enough people are talking about it? How would you use the power and influence you’d have in this position to address it?
The indigent defense system in North Carolina is in crisis mode. I hope to encourage attorneys, especially new attorneys, to sign up to be court-appointed attorneys to help the criminal justice system stay fair and equitable. I also hope to increase rates for private-assigned counsel in the 2025-26 state budget.
How do you work with others you don’t agree with?
I try to live by the golden rule and treat others how I would want to be treated.