Candidate Info Viewer (v4) - Wake County Democratic Party

Melanie Shekita

Wake District Attorney District 10

Candidate Statement:

For 27 years, I have served the citizens of this county as a dedicated public servant. Through my career and 48 years in this community, I bring deep institutional knowledge and a lifelong commitment to public safety. My service extends beyond the courtroom as a former volunteer firefighter, current president of Western Wake Fire Rescue, and a member of the County Fire Commission, giving me firsthand insight into the demands on our first responders. As head of the Special Victims Unit, I supervise prosecutors and have tried more than 250 jury trials, primarily involving violent crime and crimes against children. I have been a strong advocate for victims and secured the state's first domestic violence homicide conviction under Britny's law.

Direct Quote:

My approach will focus on holding violent offenders accountable while implementing evidence-based strategies that reduce recidivism and make our communities safer, including implementing a mental health court. I will work to ensure that cases are prosecuted efficiently and that victims receive the justice they deserve. I believe the District Attorney's Office must focus on public safety - not partisan politics - and I am committed to leading with compassion, integrity, and accountability to ensure equal justice for all.

Issues:

Violent Crime

My approach will focus on swift accountability for the most violent offenders through a Dangerous Offenders Task Force, paired with evidence-based strategies proven to reduce recidivism and strengthen public safety. When nearly one in five trauma cases involve gunshot wounds, the need for focused, coordinated action is clear. Our community deserves to feel safe going about their everyday lives.

Violent CrimeMy approach will focus on swift accountability for the most violent offenders through a Dangerous Offenders Task Force, paired with evidence-based strategies proven to reduce recidivism and strengthen public safety. When nearly one in five trauma cases involve gunshot wounds, the need for focused, coordinated action is clear. Our community deserves to feel safe going about their everyday lives.

Early Intervention to Deter Juvenile Violent Crime

I am committed to addressing the rise in violent crime committed by juveniles through strong collaboration with law enforcement, community partners, faith-based organizations, and our school system. Together, we will develop early intervention strategies focused on prevention, accountability, and reducing youth violence. I will also prioritize investigating individuals who unlawfully provide firearms to minors and take appropriate legal action when necessary.

Early Intervention to Deter Juvenile Violent CrimeI am committed to addressing the rise in violent crime committed by juveniles through strong collaboration with law enforcement, community partners, faith-based organizations, and our school system. Together, we will develop early intervention strategies focused on prevention, accountability, and reducing youth violence. I will also prioritize investigating individuals who unlawfully provide firearms to minors and take appropriate legal action when necessary.

Recruitment and Retention of Experienced Prosecutors

I would advocate for increased staffing at both the legislative and county levels. In the meantime, my priority would be to recruit and retain experienced prosecutors. I would implement a leadership model that recognizes initiative, rewards excellence, and holds prosecutors to high professional standards. Public praise, professional respect, and meaningful acknowledgment of hard work go a long way toward motivating prosecutors, improving morale, and strengthening the office.

Recruitment and Retention of Experienced ProsecutorsI would advocate for increased staffing at both the legislative and county levels. In the meantime, my priority would be to recruit and retain experienced prosecutors. I would implement a leadership model that recognizes initiative, rewards excellence, and holds prosecutors to high professional standards. Public praise, professional respect, and meaningful acknowledgment of hard work go a long way toward motivating prosecutors, improving morale, and strengthening the office.

Violent Crime

My approach will focus on swift accountability for the most violent offenders through a Dangerous Offenders Task Force, paired with evidence-based strategies proven to reduce recidivism and strengthen public safety. When nearly one in five trauma cases involve gunshot wounds, the need for focused, coordinated action is clear. Our community deserves to feel safe going about their everyday lives.

Violent CrimeMy approach will focus on swift accountability for the most violent offenders through a Dangerous Offenders Task Force, paired with evidence-based strategies proven to reduce recidivism and strengthen public safety. When nearly one in five trauma cases involve gunshot wounds, the need for focused, coordinated action is clear. Our community deserves to feel safe going about their everyday lives.

Early Intervention to Deter Juvenile Violent Crime

I am committed to addressing the rise in violent crime committed by juveniles through strong collaboration with law enforcement, community partners, faith-based organizations, and our school system. Together, we will develop early intervention strategies focused on prevention, accountability, and reducing youth violence. I will also prioritize investigating individuals who unlawfully provide firearms to minors and take appropriate legal action when necessary.

Early Intervention to Deter Juvenile Violent CrimeI am committed to addressing the rise in violent crime committed by juveniles through strong collaboration with law enforcement, community partners, faith-based organizations, and our school system. Together, we will develop early intervention strategies focused on prevention, accountability, and reducing youth violence. I will also prioritize investigating individuals who unlawfully provide firearms to minors and take appropriate legal action when necessary.

Recruitment and Retention of Experienced Prosecutors

I would advocate for increased staffing at both the legislative and county levels. In the meantime, my priority would be to recruit and retain experienced prosecutors. I would implement a leadership model that recognizes initiative, rewards excellence, and holds prosecutors to high professional standards. Public praise, professional respect, and meaningful acknowledgment of hard work go a long way toward motivating prosecutors, improving morale, and strengthening the office.

Recruitment and Retention of Experienced ProsecutorsI would advocate for increased staffing at both the legislative and county levels. In the meantime, my priority would be to recruit and retain experienced prosecutors. I would implement a leadership model that recognizes initiative, rewards excellence, and holds prosecutors to high professional standards. Public praise, professional respect, and meaningful acknowledgment of hard work go a long way toward motivating prosecutors, improving morale, and strengthening the office.

External Candidate Links:

Melanie Shekita's Website