CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. — The Cabarrus County Republican Party has selected Jennifer Michelle Taylor as its nominee for North Carolina District Court Judge in District 25, Seat 4, following the unexpected death of Judge Brent Cloninger.
The party’s executive committee voted Monday, Oct. 26, to fill the vacancy on the 2026 general election ballot. Committee members residing within the 25th Judicial District selected Taylor under North Carolina law governing vacancies in party nominations.
Cabarrus County Republican Party Chairman Jim Quick said the committee faced a difficult decision following Cloninger’s death.
“The Cabarrus County Republican Party is so grateful for each of the attorneys who expressed interest in carrying Judge Cloninger’s legacy and reputation of compassion, service and justice,” Quick said.
Quick confirmed Tuesday that he had certified Taylor’s nomination with the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
Taylor currently serves as chief assistant district attorney in the Cabarrus County District Attorney’s Office, where she has worked for 15 years.
In her current position, Taylor helps supervise approximately 20 to 25 attorneys and professional staff while managing a caseload exceeding 500 cases. Her responsibilities include overseeing prosecutions involving homicides, fatal motor vehicle crashes, violent crimes and financial offenses.
Taylor also works with federal law enforcement partners through Project Safe Neighborhoods and the Cabarrus County Violent Crime Review, initiatives focused on reducing violent gun crime.
Beyond her prosecutorial responsibilities, Taylor serves on the Cabarrus County Human Trafficking Task Force and the Project Safe Neighborhoods Executive Board. She also volunteers in community and church activities.
Taylor earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in criminal justice from the College of Charleston. She later received her law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law, where she served as associate managing editor of the South Carolina Law Review.
“It has been a privilege to serve the citizens of Cabarrus County, and I appreciate the support of the District Attorney’s Office, former victims, and law enforcement,” Taylor said. “I look forward to now serving as a Judge in District Court.”
Under North Carolina election law, votes cast for Cloninger in the Nov. 3 general election will be counted for Taylor when the State Board of Elections certifies the results during the statewide canvass scheduled for Nov. 24.
The nomination addresses the upcoming judicial term but does not immediately fill the vacancy created by Cloninger’s death.
Gov. Josh Stein has authority under state law to appoint a replacement judge to complete Cloninger’s current term, which expires Dec. 31, 2026. The Cabarrus County Bar Association would submit recommendations for consideration in the appointment process.
Taylor’s nomination comes as the local legal community continues to mourn Cloninger’s death and prepare for the transition in the district court.
