Martin beats out Brunswick County’s Lewis for Chief Justice

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — Chief Justice Mark Martin has won election to an eight-year term on North Carolina’s Supreme Court.

He beat Superior Court Judge Ola Lewis of Southport capturing about 70 percent of the vote, according to returns tabulated by The Associated Press.

Martin is the longest-serving member of the court, joining it in 1999. But he moved to chief justice less than two months ago following the mandatory-age retirement of Sarah Parker. He was appointed to the post by Gov. Pat McCrory.

Mindful of Parker’s retirement, Martin announced last year he was running for chief justice, who also administers the state court system.

Lewis is currently senior resident Superior Court judge for Brunswick County, which she argued gave her more real-world and day-by-day judicial experience compared to Martin.

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