Former US Rep. Wiley Nickel jumps into Wake DA race to succeed Lorrin Freeman
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- Former Congressman Wiley Nickel joins 2025 Wake County DA race as third Democrat
- Nickel cites defense work, Senate role and White House tenure in campaign launch
- District attorney post holds key authority over probes into North Carolina officials
Former U.S. Rep. Wiley Nickel announced Tuesday he will run for Wake County district attorney, creating a three-way race among Democrats to replace top prosecutor Lorrin Freeman.
A Cary attorney, Nickel served in President Barack Obama’s White House before winning a congressional seat from North Carolina’s 13th District in 2022, where he served one term.
He touted that experience plus his years as a defense attorney and state senator in his bid for Wake DA, pledging to bring “real change.”
“I’m running to increase support for police and first responders and to make sure our justice system is more fair, more accountable, and more focused on real public safety,” Nickel said in a Tuesday press release. “In this moment, we need a district attorney who will stand up for our rights and freedoms, hold corrupt politicians accountable, and defend our Constitution.”
Freeman will retire after more than a decade, leaving one of the top legal posts in North Carolina without an incumbent in the race.
Because Raleigh is the state capital, its DA decides when to investigate state officials, which Freeman did in the accusations against Gov. Josh Stein while he was attorney general in 2022 and former treasurer Dale Folwell in 2024.
Two other Democrats have already declared for the race, including former prosecutor and Raleigh police attorney Sherita Walton, whom Freeman has endorsed. Walton is thought to be the first Black candidate to seek the job.
Assistant District Attorney Melanie Shekita is also running, having secured an endorsement from longtime Wake DA Colon Willoughby, who preceded Freeman. A Raleigh native, Shekita has spent 27 years prosecuting criminal cases.
Shortly after Nickel’s announcement, she issued a statement, stressing that this DA’s race is about curbing gun violence, gangs and the flow of Fentanyl and opioids.
“I welcome Mr. Nickel to the race,” Shekita said in a press statement. “I am unfamiliar with him professionally. In 27 years years at the district attorney’s office, I have never had a case with him, nor have I seen him in Wake County Superior Court. This race for Wake District Attorney is about who has the experience in the courtrooms standing up for the victims of crime – making sure that justice is served.”
Nickel considered a run for U.S. Senate but suspended his bid and backed former N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper. He opted not to seek reelection to Congress in 2024 after state lawmakers redrew his and other N.C. districts to favor Republicans, giving him little chance of reelection.
“I’ve served in Congress and for President Obama’s White House, fighting for justice, fairness, and smart public policy,” Wiley said Tuesday.
“But some of the most important and impactful decisions are made right here at home in our local community. As a Wake County attorney, former Obama White House official and Congressman, I’ve dedicated my career to fighting for justice, fairness and equality for all. In Congress, I took on the powerful and well-connected to defend the right to vote, protect abortion access in North Carolina, and stop big corporations from price gouging working families.”
No Republicans have entered the race yet. A Democratic primary will be held in March 2026, followed by the general election in November.
This story was originally published September 16, 2025 at 10:23 AM.