North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls revealed Tuesday that she is confronting a personal health battle while running for re-election.
According to her campaign, Earls was diagnosed with breast cancer late last year and underwent a successful surgical procedure over the holidays. Following additional treatment in January, she shared a positive prognosis with the public.
“Like so many families across our state, mine has been hit with a challenge we didn’t see coming: I was diagnosed with breast cancer late last year,” Earls said in a statement. “But if there’s one thing my life has taught me, it’s how to find strength in the face of adversity.”
Earls has served on the state Supreme Court since 2019 and is seeking to retain her seat in a race against Republican state Rep. Sarah Stevens.
Despite her recent health scare, Earls remains committed to her campaign. “I will keep campaigning across the state and sharing with North Carolinians what’s at stake this election — our mission hasn’t changed, and our momentum hasn’t slowed,” she said. “Since announcing my re-election over a year ago, we have visited every corner of this state talking about the importance of our courts and the future of justice in North Carolina. I look forward to continuing that work for the next 11 months and winning in November.”
In a YouTube address, Earls encouraged women to prioritize health screenings, noting that her early detection played a crucial role in her treatment. “I am fortunate that this disease was discovered so early during a routine mammogram,” she said. “It is in part due to early detection that my prognosis is so positive. I know it can be easy to put off doctor’s appointments, but I encourage every woman watching this to get regularly screened for breast cancer.”
North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton expressed support for Earls. “Justice Earls has been a fighter her entire life,” Clayton said. “From litigating in the courtroom to protect civil rights, to defending our individual rights, to fighting for equal justice — and now fighting breast cancer — she has never backed down. We are proud to stand with her as she runs for re-election to the NC Supreme Court — in part to keep protecting your right to be in control of your own health.”
The primary election for the North Carolina Supreme Court seat is scheduled for March 3, with the general election set for November.
