House Democratic leader leaving legislature for Court of Appeals appointment

Jackson will fill a vacancy left by Judge Phil Berger Jr., who won election last month to the state Supreme Court. Jackson, an attorney who has served 12 years in the House, would have to run statewide in 2022 to keep this seat.

Jackson resigned his House seat Wednesday morning by submitting a letter to the House clerk. That seat will also be filled by the governor, who will appoint someone recommended by the Wake County Democratic Party.

“Darren Jackson has spent his legal career fighting for a more fair and just North Carolina,” Cooper said in a release announcing Jackson's appointment. “His decades of experience as a lawyer and elected public servant have prepared him for the bench, and I’m grateful for his willingness to continue serving our state with honor.”

Jackson is an attorney with the Gay, Jackson & McNally law firm. His law degree is from Duke University School of Law. He did not immediately return a message seeking comment Wednesday morning.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley on Tuesday appointed Judge Donna Stroud as chief judge on the Court of Appeals. Stroud has been on the court since 2006. Beasley also appointed appellate Judge Chris Dillon to chair the state Judicial Standards Commission, which investigates allegations of misconduct involving judges.