District Attorney Jason Waller Wins First Full Term; Three Judges Reelected

SMITHFIELD – Johnston County District Attorney Jason Waller won his first full four-year term Tuesday, more than a year after being appointed to the position following the retirement of longtime District Attorney Susan Doyle.

Waller, a Republican, received 54,036 votes in Tuesday’s general election. He faced no opposition on the ballot.

Gov. Josh Stein appointed Waller as district attorney effective July 1, 2025, following Doyle’s retirement after nearly two decades in office.

Before becoming district attorney, Waller served as a senior assistant district attorney in Johnston County. He began his career as a prosecutor in 2006 in Wake County before joining the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office.

Three District Court Judges Reelected

Three incumbent District Court judges also won reelection Tuesday without opposition.

District Court Judge Joy A. Jones received 95,898 votes across Johnston, Harnett and Lee counties in the District 12, Seat 1 race.

Judge Travis N. Wheeler received 95,028 votes for District 12, Seat 2, while Judge Jason P. Kimble received 93,823 votes for District 12, Seat 3.

All three Republicans serve in Judicial District 12, which includes Johnston, Harnett and Lee counties.

All precincts in the three-county judicial district reported results Tuesday night. The totals remain unofficial pending certification.