Veteran GOP Lawmaker Sarah Stevens Announces State Supreme Court Run
Serious challenger to sitting Democrat Justice Anita Earls
Last week, North Carolina Representative Sarah Stevens announced her candidacy for the North Carolina Supreme Court. This is the first serious (maybe only) Republican Challenger to announce a campaign against sitting Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls.
About Stevens
Stevens is a native of Mount Airy, NC, and currently lives there with her husband, Edwin, with whom she raised five children.
She graduated from UNC-Greensboro as an undergraduate and from Campbell University School of Law.
Currently in her ninth term in the N.C. House, Stevens distinguished herself as a leader on criminal justice issues. Here are some of the accomplishments she is highlighting on the campaign trail.
She helped pass Jessica’s law to limit sex offenders from accessing locations primarily intended for minors.
She supported Marcy’s Law to enhance victims’ rights in North Carolina.
The North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys named her a 2024 Justice and Public Safety Legislative Leader
In 2021, the North Carolina Advocates for Justice named her an Outstanding Legislator.
When announcing her campaign, Stevens said, “On the Supreme Court, I will be a conservative voice for justice and families. My experiences as a family law attorney and state legislator have prepared me to be a voice for those who cannot advocate for themselves.”
About Earls
Stevens will face Democrat Anita Earls, who has already announced her reelection bid.
Earls’ background as a social justice warrior stands in stark contrast to Stevens’s tough-on-crime legislative record. Here are some key highlights from Earls’ career and her time on the N.C. court.
Earls advocated on behalf of the Latin Kings leader before the Obama Justice Department unsealed its indictment, which eventually led to these criminal gang leaders being sentenced to prison in 2013.
In 2018, Earls was elected with less than a majority of the vote and a fakeRepublican on the ballot, splitting the Republican effort.
Since joining the Court, Earls has consistently issued progressive rulings in accordance with her leftist ideology, consistently attempting to reduce the separation of powers by attempting to appropriate funds, engage in redistricting, and siding with sex offenders against victims.
Tim’s Take: Stevens’ announcement clearly sets her up as the tough-on-crime candidate versus Earls’ weak-on-crime record. Additionally, given her experience, Stevens will be able to mount a strong campaign and push out any primary contenders. Additionally, Stevens secured Speaker Destin Hall’s endorsement upon her announcement, showcasing her support within the party.
