John S. Hindsman Jr.
By Randy Foster
Cherokee Scout
Superior Court Judge William Coward is retiring halfway through his term, with one lawyer throwing his name into the hat to fill the looming vacancy.
After Coward’s retirement, Gov. Roy Cooper may appoint his replacement, who can then seek election during the November 2024 election cycle. Hindsman said he intends to do both.
“I am seeking the appointment from Cooper and, regardless of his decision, will seek election to the position next November.” Hindsman said.
Coward has served as a Superior Court judge since he was appointed to the bench on the Eighth Division by then-Gov. Pat McCrory in 2013. He ran for re-election in 2014 unopposed.
He has served as a N.C. Fifth Superior Court Division Judicial District 30A judge since 2019. The division covers the five westernmost counties of Clay, Cherokee, Graham, Macon and Swain.
Hindsman is a Clay County Republican and a major in the Army Reserve. He has been a prosecutor for 13 years in his civilian live and a judge advocate in the Army Reserve.
Hindsman began his career in the then-Ninth Prosecutorial District under District Attorney Sam Currin, prosecuting misdemeanor and felony cases primarily in Vance County.
Hindsman joined the District Attorney’s Office in western North Carolina in 2014. When District Attorney Ashley Welch was elected, she kept Hindsman on staff, assigning him to felony prosecutions in Superior Court in Clay and Cherokee Counties.
As part of this assignment, Hindsman implemented the first Administrative Case Management System for Superior Court.
In 2018, Hindsman was reassigned as the senior assistant district attorney for Clay, Cherokee, Graham, Macon and Swain counties tasked with supervising attorneys and staff assigned to Superior Court in those counties as well as handling high-profile cases, such as sexual assaults, homicides and drug trafficking. He has handled numerous murders and sexual assault cases in all five counties, including several death penalty eligible.