North Carolina Justice Anita Earls battles cancer while campaigning for reelection

North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls has revealed a breast cancer diagnosis but remains committed to her duties. The Democrat, who is up for reelection this November, has already undergone surgery and will continue treatment while serving on the bench.

Her prognosis is positive due to early detection, a fact she hopes will encourage other women to prioritise regular screenings. Earls, one of only two Democrats on the seven-member court, is facing a challenge from Republican Sarah Stevens in the November 3 election. The race is critical, as Republicans currently hold five of the seven seats.

If Stevens wins, Democrats would need to secure all three contested seats in the 2028 election—chief justice, seat 2, and seat 4—to achieve a 4-3 majority. Earls has made it clear that her health will not disrupt her campaign or her work on the court.

Her colleague, Justice Allison Riggs, is the only other Democrat currently serving on the bench. Earls has used her diagnosis to urge women to take advantage of early detection measures, stressing that timely screenings saved her life. Earls will remain on the court throughout her treatment, maintaining her judicial responsibilities. The outcome of her race against Stevens will shape the court’s balance for years to come. Regardless of the election result, she continues to advocate for breast cancer awareness and early intervention.