Rebecca Zimmer Donaldson sworn in as district attorney for New Hanover and Pender Counties

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — For the first time in two decades, there’s a new district attorney serving New Hanover and Pender Counties. 

Rebecca Zimmer Donaldson was sworn in as district attorney at the New Hanover County Courthouse Wednesday morning. This week, Governor Roy Cooper appointed her to replace Former District Attorney Ben David, who retired.  

Donaldson is the first woman to serve as district attorney in the sixth prosecutorial district. 

She was joined by her father, husband, and two daughters as she took the oath of office. 

“I may be the first female district attorney in New Hanover and Pender counties, but I will not be the last,” Donaldson said shortly after taking the oath. 

Donaldson told WWAY her first priorities as district attorney are combating the impacts of fentanyl and prosecuting child predators. 

“It’s an honor, it really is. I am blown away that Governor Cooper entrusted me to lead this office and I’m excited to get to work and get a head start on the work we have to do,” Donaldson said. 

Donaldson noted one of her first acts as district is assigning a courtroom to deal exclusively with domestic violence cases, which opened on Wednesday. 

Donaldson is running as the Democratic candidate for district attorney. She will face off against Republican Jason Smith in November.