SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Democratic candidate Rebecca Zimmer Donaldson will face off against Republican Jason Smith in the DA’s race this election season.
READ MORE: What to expect when voting in NC during the 2024 election season
A Wilmington native who has served as an assistant district attorney for more than a decade, Donaldson was selected earlier in the summer by the state party prosecutorial committee to run under the Democratic ticket.
Two months later, she was appointed to interim district attorney by Gov. Roy Cooper until the election determines the next outcome. Donaldson took over the prosecutorial district 6 from former DA Ben David, who served the district for more than two decades but retired at the beginning of September.
Donaldson has worked for David for four years. Before that, she served the New York’s Kings County District Attorney’s Office, after having received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Miami and her Juris Doctorate from American University Washington College of Law.
We asked the Donaldson a handful of questions ahead of the election, which can be accessed below.
But a few items to keep in mind ahead of casting a ballot this year: Absentee ballots are already being mailed and early voting opened mid-October at locations including:
- Carolina Beach Town Hall, 1121 N. Lake Boulevard
- CFCC Downtown Campus, Health Sciences Building, 415 N. Second St.
- Future NHC Board of Elections, 226 Government Dr.
- Northeast Regional Library, David Poynter Room, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.
- NHC Senior Resource Center, Multipurpose Room, 2222 S. College Rd.
Voters will be able to cast ballots at any of the above places and even register to vote beforehand on Oct. 17-18, Oct. 21-25, Oct. 28-Nov. 1, 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., and Oct. 19-20 and Oct. 26-27, noon – 5 p.m., and Nov. 2, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Election Day is Nov. 5, with polls opening at 6:30 a.m. and closing at 7:30 p.m. All voters will have to go to their precinct to cast a ballot, as shown on their voter registry.
An ID must be presented to cast a ballot in the election. Acceptable forms of ID include NC drivers license or state ID, U.S. passport, college or student university ID, some state employee IDs and out-of-state drivers license or ID, as long as voter registration was done within 90 days of the election. IDs not in good standing can be expired by one year or less.
Port City Daily has compiled candidate questionnaires so voters can read up on contenders’ stances before heading to the polls this election season. All answers have been edited only for clarity; the candidates’ opinions and statements are not a reflection of Port City Daily.
The paywall is dropped on profiles to help voters make informed decisions ahead of the election.
Port City Daily: What crimes do you believe cause the greatest social and economic costs to the public?
Rebecca Zimmer Donaldson: The crimes that carry the greatest social and economic costs are those that don’t just break laws but break lives and families, eroding the very core of our communities. Drug-related offenses are especially devastating. They bring profound harm to individuals, disrupt families, and destabilize neighborhoods. Addiction and drug trafficking come with heavy consequences — they drive up healthcare costs, overwhelm emergency services, and pull our young people into cycles of crime, violence, and sometimes, tragically, lifelong struggles with addiction. Fentanyl has been particularly deadly, costing communities both in lost lives and in the resources needed to fight its impact.
Violent crime, and especially gun violence, leaves an even deeper scar. Beyond the personal trauma, it fosters fear, damages trust within our communities, and drains vital resources. The economic toll is high: the costs of law enforcement, medical care, and the criminal justice system all rise. Businesses bear extra expenses, property values fall, and the well-being of neighborhoods suffers.
Addressing these issues demands a compassionate and comprehensive approach—one that brings together enforcement, prevention, and support for those in need. Programs like drug treatment courts, investments in public safety, and outreach initiatives can help. If we’re serious about building stronger, healthier communities, we have to address the roots of these issues, not just the symptoms. We owe it to every family, every child, to work for a future where they’re safe, supported, and given every chance to succeed.
PCD: Would you advocate any alternative corrective or restorative measures for sentencing for certain crimes?
RZD: Absolutely. I believe that a truly just system isn’t just about punishment — it’s also about accountability, growth, and giving people the chance to turn their lives around. For nonviolent offenses, especially for young people or those making their first mistake, we should look at restorative justice approaches. Approaches that focus on healing, understanding, and taking real responsibility can make a world of difference. When we help people find a different path, we don’t just prevent them from reoffending; we free up resources to address violent crimes and make our communities safer overall.
PCD: How would you inform the public when officers are being investigated for violations, such as lying on a police report? Would you support any measures to ensure accountability of local law enforcement agencies?
RZD: Trust between law enforcement and the community is essential for any community to thrive, and transparency is key to building and preserving that trust. When officers, like all public servants, fall short of their duty, the community deserves clear and open communication about what went wrong and what steps are being taken to make it right. I believe in regular, transparent updates that keep citizens informed, so long as they don’t interfere with an investigation’s integrity. This kind of openness shows people that accountability is real, that their concerns are taken seriously, and that there’s a genuine commitment to justice on all sides.
PCD: District attorneys have discretion to prosecute some classes of crimes above others. Would you prioritize any class of cases, such as domestic violence, workplace safety, illegal waste dumping, or public health crimes? Would you decline prosecuting any class of case, such as simple drug possession or any violations of the state’s abortion law? Explain.
RZD: As district attorney, I will prioritize prosecuting crimes that pose the greatest threat to public safety and community well-being. Specifically, I will focus on those committing violent crime, drug traffickers and career criminals.
When it comes to simple drug possession, I believe that a treatment focused approach is more effective than traditional prosecution when a person is suffering from substance use disorder. The criminalization of addiction has often led to cycles of incarceration without addressing the root causes of substance use disorders. Expanding our drug treatment courts in New Hanover County, and establishing them in Pender County will help those struggling with addiction find pathways to recovery,
Regarding state abortion laws, I would focus prosecutorial resources on fighting violent crimes rather than meddling in women’s private healthcare decisions.
PCD: Would you take an active role in the Conference of District Attorneys’ lobbying efforts? Are there any changes to the state’s criminal justice system you would advocate to amend via state legislation?
RZD: Yes, I would work actively with the Conference of District Attorneys to push for a criminal justice system that is more just and effective. There is value in advocating for legislative updates to ensure fairness, particularly in areas like juvenile justice and improvements to support victims of violent crimes. In today’s complex world, laws must evolve to reflect new insights and uphold justice, not just by punishing crime but by preventing it through constructive legislative reform.
PCD: Would you advocate any changes to diversion programs in New Hanover or Pender counties?
RZD: I see diversion programs as an essential tool in a balanced justice system. I believe in expanding these programs to make them accessible to more individuals, particularly those facing nonviolent, low-level charges, including veterans and young people. With adequate support and counseling services, diversion programs can provide the second chance many individuals need to get back on the right track, ultimately reducing crime rates and recidivism.
PCD: What is your position on the allocation of resources to prosecute “white collar” crime, such as wage theft, versus crimes generally committed by lower-income people, such as shoplifting?
RZD: Our justice system should not treat crimes differently based on an individual’s socioeconomic status. Crimes like wage theft, fraud, and corporate exploitation can have devastating effects on hardworking families and the economic foundation of our community. I am committed to dedicating resources to ensure that white-collar crimes receive the attention they warrant, just as we address offenses often associated with lower-income individuals. Equal justice means upholding accountability across the board, and a balanced approach can help create a more just society.
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