Candidate Info Viewer (v6) - Wake County Democratic Party

Wiley Nickel

District Attorney District 10

Candidate Statement:

As an attorney, state senator, and Congressman, I've committed my life to public service and fighting for working families. Working for President Obama, I learned that real leaders fight for the change they want to see in the world. I carried that lesson into my own law practice in Wake County, where I helped underserved communities navigate a criminal justice system that doesn't always treat everyone fairly. In Congress, I led efforts to protect abortion access, lower prescription drug costs, and increase funding for police and first responders in North Carolina. Extreme Republicans redrew the maps so I couldn't run again, but I've never backed down from a fight. As your next Wake County District Attorney, I'll keep fighting to defend our rights, keep our communities safe, and make sure our justice system works fairly for all.

Direct Quote:

Wake County deserves a District Attorney who will stand up for victims, hold criminals accountable, and fight every day to keep our community safe. We need a DA with the experience, the judgement, and the backbone to stand up for what's right, and that's exactly why I'm running for District Attorney.

Issues:

Modernizing the DA's Office

The career prosecutors in our DA's Office do an amazing job, but they're overworked and understaffed. Wake is the largest county in North Carolina, yet we have 45 prosecutors while Mecklenburg, a smaller county, has 95. Each Wake prosecutor handles about 2,600 cases compared to 1,080 in Mecklenburg and Durham. When cases pile up, victims have to wait years rather than months for justice, and repeat offenders stay out on the streets much longer while their cases sit. I'll keep pushing the NC General Assembly and the Wake County Board of Commissioners to do what's right and fund this office.

Modernizing the DA's OfficeThe career prosecutors in our DA's Office do an amazing job, but they're overworked and understaffed. Wake is the largest county in North Carolina, yet we have 45 prosecutors while Mecklenburg, a smaller county, has 95. Each Wake prosecutor handles about 2,600 cases compared to 1,080 in Mecklenburg and Durham. When cases pile up, victims have to wait years rather than months for justice, and repeat offenders stay out on the streets much longer while their cases sit. I'll keep pushing the NC General Assembly and the Wake County Board of Commissioners to do what's right and fund this office.

Combat our Mental Health Crisis

We have a growing mental health crisis in our state. More than 450,000 adults and young adults have a serious mental illness, and too often, they cycle through the criminal justice system without getting the treatment they need. As District Attorney, I'll work to secure funding for a full-time Mental Health Court for Wake County to address one of the most pressing challenges facing our community. A dedicated courtroom will connect individuals to care, reduce repeat offenses, and improve public safety. This approach is both smart on crime and compassionate, making Wake County safer for all.

Combat our Mental Health CrisisWe have a growing mental health crisis in our state. More than 450,000 adults and young adults have a serious mental illness, and too often, they cycle through the criminal justice system without getting the treatment they need. As District Attorney, I'll work to secure funding for a full-time Mental Health Court for Wake County to address one of the most pressing challenges facing our community. A dedicated courtroom will connect individuals to care, reduce repeat offenses, and improve public safety. This approach is both smart on crime and compassionate, making Wake County safer for all.

Tackling Political Corruption

With Donald Trump and right-wing extremists trying to take away our freedoms, the threats to our democracy have never been more urgent. The Wake County District Attorney investigates and prosecutes all of North Carolina's political corruption and government malfeasance cases because of our position in the state's capital. In this moment we need a District Attorney who will stand up for our rights and freedoms, hold corrupt politicians accountable, and defend the rule of law and our Constitution.

Tackling Political CorruptionWith Donald Trump and right-wing extremists trying to take away our freedoms, the threats to our democracy have never been more urgent. The Wake County District Attorney investigates and prosecutes all of North Carolina's political corruption and government malfeasance cases because of our position in the state's capital. In this moment we need a District Attorney who will stand up for our rights and freedoms, hold corrupt politicians accountable, and defend the rule of law and our Constitution.

Modernizing the DA's Office

The career prosecutors in our DA's Office do an amazing job, but they're overworked and understaffed. Wake is the largest county in North Carolina, yet we have 45 prosecutors while Mecklenburg, a smaller county, has 95. Each Wake prosecutor handles about 2,600 cases compared to 1,080 in Mecklenburg and Durham. When cases pile up, victims have to wait years rather than months for justice, and repeat offenders stay out on the streets much longer while their cases sit. I'll keep pushing the NC General Assembly and the Wake County Board of Commissioners to do what's right and fund this office.

Modernizing the DA's OfficeThe career prosecutors in our DA's Office do an amazing job, but they're overworked and understaffed. Wake is the largest county in North Carolina, yet we have 45 prosecutors while Mecklenburg, a smaller county, has 95. Each Wake prosecutor handles about 2,600 cases compared to 1,080 in Mecklenburg and Durham. When cases pile up, victims have to wait years rather than months for justice, and repeat offenders stay out on the streets much longer while their cases sit. I'll keep pushing the NC General Assembly and the Wake County Board of Commissioners to do what's right and fund this office.

Combat our Mental Health Crisis

We have a growing mental health crisis in our state. More than 450,000 adults and young adults have a serious mental illness, and too often, they cycle through the criminal justice system without getting the treatment they need. As District Attorney, I'll work to secure funding for a full-time Mental Health Court for Wake County to address one of the most pressing challenges facing our community. A dedicated courtroom will connect individuals to care, reduce repeat offenses, and improve public safety. This approach is both smart on crime and compassionate, making Wake County safer for all.

Combat our Mental Health CrisisWe have a growing mental health crisis in our state. More than 450,000 adults and young adults have a serious mental illness, and too often, they cycle through the criminal justice system without getting the treatment they need. As District Attorney, I'll work to secure funding for a full-time Mental Health Court for Wake County to address one of the most pressing challenges facing our community. A dedicated courtroom will connect individuals to care, reduce repeat offenses, and improve public safety. This approach is both smart on crime and compassionate, making Wake County safer for all.

Tackling Political Corruption

With Donald Trump and right-wing extremists trying to take away our freedoms, the threats to our democracy have never been more urgent. The Wake County District Attorney investigates and prosecutes all of North Carolina's political corruption and government malfeasance cases because of our position in the state's capital. In this moment we need a District Attorney who will stand up for our rights and freedoms, hold corrupt politicians accountable, and defend the rule of law and our Constitution.

Tackling Political CorruptionWith Donald Trump and right-wing extremists trying to take away our freedoms, the threats to our democracy have never been more urgent. The Wake County District Attorney investigates and prosecutes all of North Carolina's political corruption and government malfeasance cases because of our position in the state's capital. In this moment we need a District Attorney who will stand up for our rights and freedoms, hold corrupt politicians accountable, and defend the rule of law and our Constitution.

External Candidate Links:

Wiley Nickel's Website