Baker joins State Board of Elections

RALEIGH, N.C. — Judge James L. Baker was sworn in today as the third Republican member of the bipartisan State Board of Elections. Gov. Pat McCrory appointed Baker to fill the seat held by Paul Foley, who resigned in July.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues  to ensure fair and honest elections throughout our state,” said Baker.

Baker served two terms as a Superior Court judge (1994-2010) and twelve years as an assistant district attorney (1983-1994) in western North Carolina. He won election to the Madison County Board of Commissioners in 2012, where he served until his appointment to the State Board of Elections.

“Judge Baker’s temperament and depth of experience make him an ideal addition to our Board,” said Chairman Josh Howard.

Baker is a native of Marshall, North Carolina, where he and his wife, Karen, raised two daughters.  Baker is a graduate of Mars Hill University and the Mercer University School of Law.

“Baker joins the agency at an important time for elections in our state,” said Executive Director Kim Westbrook Strach. “His long record of service will be a resource in our ongoing effort to ensure fair and secure elections across North Carolina.”