Melanie Shekita
Melanie Shekita (Democratic Party) is running for election for North Carolina 10th Prosecutorial District Attorney. Shekita is on the ballot in the Democratic primary on March 3, 2026.[source]
Shekita completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Melanie Shekita earned a high school diploma from Needham Broughton High School, a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina in 1993, and a law degree from the Campbell University School of Law in 1998. Shekita's career experience includes working as an assistant district attorney.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: Municipal elections in Wake County, North Carolina (2026)
General election
The primary will occur on March 3, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.
The candidate list in this election may not be complete.
Democratic primary
The candidate list in this election may not be complete.
Democratic primary for North Carolina 10th Prosecutorial District Attorney
Wiley Nickel (D), Melanie Shekita (D), and Sherita Walton (D) are running in the Democratic primary for North Carolina 10th Prosecutorial District Attorney on March 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Wiley Nickel | |
 | Melanie Shekita  | |
| Sherita Walton | ||
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Republican primary
The Republican primary scheduled for March 3, 2026, was canceled.
Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Melanie Shekita completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Shekita's responses.
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My commitment to public service extends beyond the courtroom. As a volunteer firefighter with Western Wake Fire Rescue for 10 years, current President of the Board of Directors, and a member of the Wake County Fire Commission, I understand firsthand the challenges facing our first responders. As head of the Special Victims Unit in the Wake County District Attorney’s Office, I have been a zealous advocate for victims. I know that justice requires more than prosecution, it requires trust, transparency, and clear communication during the most difficult moments in people’s lives.
I am committed to delivering results with compassion, integrity, and accountability, and to ensuring equal justice for all.- Gun violence is overwhelming our emergency rooms. At WakeMed’s Level I Trauma Center alone, roughly 20% of trauma cases are penetrating injuries, most caused by gunshot wounds. My approach focuses on holding violent offenders accountable while implementing evidence-based strategies proven to reduce recidivism and improve public safety. I will ensure cases are identified and prosecuted in a timely manner and that victims receive the justice they deserve by establishing a Dangerous Offenders Task Force.
- Wake County is experiencing a troubling rise in juvenile violence, underscoring the need for strong collaboration among law enforcement, schools, community partners, faith-based organizations and the juvenile justice system to ensure accountability and prevention. These cases highlight the urgent need for early intervention. We must work together to identify and support at-risk youth before violence occurs. I am committed to investigating and holding accountable those who unlawfully provide firearms to minors. Strengthening Teen Court, Restorative Circles, and expanding diversion programs will help keep non-violent youth out of Juvenile Court and reduce future incarceration.
- The Wake County District Attorney’s Office is understaffed and has experienced significant turnover in recent years. While I will advocate for increased staffing at both the legislative and county levels, my immediate priority is recruiting and retaining experienced prosecutors. I will 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 improve morale, strengthen retention, and ultimately lead to better outcomes for the community. By building a strong, representative team, we enhance public safety and ensure all citizens feel protected.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on February 11, 2026
