Davidson and Davie County District Attorney Garry Frank announced this week that he will not be seeking re-election in 2026

Davidson and Davie County District Attorney Garry Frank announced this week that he will not be seeking re-election in 2026. 

Frank, who was first elected as district attorney in 1998, said he made this difficult decision for a variety of factors, including the state’s transition to a digital court system and the current political climate in the country. 

“Like a lot of people of my generation, I’m not very technically savvy, and I’m not really sure if this new system will provide a better service to the public or not. But we are one of the last districts in the state that will be switching over, and I felt this would be an appropriate time to step back,” said Frank. 

He said he has been considering this move for several years and almost didn’t run in the last election in 2022. Frank has never been challenged in an election since he first won in 1998. 

He said it has been a privilege to serve the people of the 33 Court District, as well as with law enforcement, staff and other district attorneys across the state.  

“I always felt like I had the support of the law-abiding folks to enforce the law fairly and impartially, such support is crucial to anyone who endeavors to be the individual that seeks justice for the innocent and punishment for the wrongdoers. The excellent law enforcement officials with which I have served have also demonstrated steadfast support. I deeply appreciate that support and I believe I still retain it,” said Frank. 

Although the end of his term is still several months away, Frank said he plans to continue to serve in his capacity as district attorney with the same dedication as he has had in the past.  

"Up until that day I will continue to exercise all duties, authority and responsibilities as the district attorney to the best of my abilities. A big heartfelt thank you to you the citizens of these great counties for your continued trust and confidence in me,” said Frank. 

During his career Frank has been involved in several big court cases, including the Molly Corbett and Thomas Marten’s murder case and was recently included in a Netflix documentary on the case. He said another big case was fighting against a proposed toxic waste dump site in the late 80’s. 

He said he has not decided what he plans on doing after leaving office but feels privileged to have worked with so many dedicated people throughout the years.  

“One of the most difficult aspects is the realization that I will no longer be the leader of an outstanding group of dedicated and loyal employees of the District Attorney’s Office. Some of these individuals have been with me for the entire time of my service or beyond. Several truly outstanding individuals retired while in my service. They are a great group of people dedicated to justices, protection of the innocent and attempting to do the fair and right thing every day,” said Frank.