Race to replace District Attorney Ben David begins

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The race to replace Ben David as District Attorney for New Hanover County and Pender County is starting to come into view.

David shared he would leave office on September 3.

“This date is not arbitrary,” David said. “Vacating the office at least 60 days before Election Day on November 5, 2024 will ensure that the people of the Sixth Prosecutorial District will get to decide who occupies this position next.”

The Democratic Prosecutorial District Committee, comprised of elected members from both New Hanover and Pender Counties, says it will nominate Rebecca Zimmer Donaldson as the Democratic candidate for District Attorney.

The Wilmington native has served as an Assistant District Attorney for nearly a decade, after graduating American University’s Washington College of Law.

“I am honored to accept the nomination for District Attorney, and more importantly, I am committed to serving with integrity and fairness in all matters,” said Ms. Donaldson, emphasizing that “together, we can build a safer and more-equitable future for all local residents.”

A spokesman for the Republican Party says they plan to nominate Jason Smith, who also worked as Assistant District Attorney under David since 2010.

Smith is a veteran and a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute.