The Choice Before Wake County
Three Days Left to Early Vote — What’s at Stake in the Wake DA Race
Before Early Voting Ends: What’s at Stake in This Race
38,318 Wake County early voters have already cast their ballot. If you haven’t voted yet, now is the time. Early voting continues until Saturday at 3PM and election day is Tuesday March 3rd.
This election for Wake County District Attorney is about resources, accountability and whether our justice system truly works for the people of Wake county.
Here are my top priorities:
Fix the Funding Crisis
Wake County is the largest county in North Carolina.
We have 43 prosecutors.
Mecklenburg County has 94.
That disparity affects everything — caseloads, how quickly cases move, how much time attorneys can devote to victims and families, and how efficiently justice is delivered.
Our career prosecutors are doing extraordinary work. But they’re overworked and understaffed. Victims have to wait years rather than months for justice and repeat offenders stay out on the streets much longer.
We need a District Attorney who will fight to get us the resources Wake County needs — at the state, county and city level — and who understands how to get it done.
On day one this will be my top priority.
Create a Full-Time Mental Health Court
We’re in the middle of a mental health crisis in our state and it’s one of the leading drivers of violent crime in Wake County.
More than 450,000 adults and young adults in North Carolina live with serious mental illness. Too often, our jails have become the default mental health system.
That’s not justice. And it doesn’t make us safer.
As District Attorney, I’ll establish a Mental Health Court in Wake County. Working with judges, treatment providers, and law enforcement, we can connect nonviolent offenders to treatment, reduce repeat offenses, and ease pressure on the courts.
Twelve Counties have these courts. Wake County should join the list.
Tackle Political Corruption
We’ve seen political corruption cases splashed across the front page day after day while nothing happens. The Wake DA is the person who decides whether to investigate or prosecute.
No one is above the law.
Not violent offenders.
Not powerful politicians.
Wake County deserves a District Attorney willing to tackle political corruption and follow the evidence wherever it leads.
ICE Won’t Get a Free Pass
ICE won’t get a free pass in Wake County when I’m District Attorney.
Recent federal immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota have included multiple deadly shootings of American citizens by federal agents. Those incidents raise serious questions about accountability and transparency.
If any federal agent breaks the law in Wake County, I’ll use the full weight of my office to prosecute abuse.
And Donald Trump can’t pardon state crimes.
The rule of law applies to everyone.
Ready to Lead on Day One
Wake County deserves steady leadership that understands the courtroom, understands government funding, and understands how to run an office focused on public safety.
That’s why I’m honored to have earned the endorsement of the News & Observer, which called for “a fresh view of how to support and employ the powers of the office.”
I’ve spent my career as a Wake County defense attorney, State Senator, and Congressman fighting for justice and holding powerful interests accountable. I’m ready to do that work as your next District Attorney.
Early voting ends Saturday, February 28th at 3:00 PM.
Election Day is Tuesday, March 3rd.
In these final days, we’re working to reach every voter who hasn’t yet cast a ballot. If you can chip in $25, $50, or more, it will directly support our final outreach efforts.
Let’s finish strong.
— Wiley Nickel
P.S. Every dollar helps us reach more Wake County voters with our positive message for change. If you’re able, please chip in today to help power this campaign forward.
PAID FOR AND AUTHORIZED BY WILEY FOR WAKE