Thomas Farr, a well-known North Carolina redistricting and election law attorney who often represented Republican interests, has passed away at the age of 69. He died on Monday following heart problems, according to his colleague, Phil Strach. Farr was praised as a legal titan with an impressive record of legal accomplishments. He was known for his work in redistricting litigation and participated in voting and redistricting cases in both the 1990s and 2010s.
Farr first arrived in North Carolina in the 1980s and quickly made a name for himself in the legal community. Over the years, he became known for his specialization in employment law, as well as his expertise in redistricting litigation. He notably argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in the 1990s in a case where voters successfully challenged a majority-Black congressional district drawn by North Carolina Democrats. His work in voting and redistricting cases continued into the 2000s and 2010s as Republicans gained control of the state legislature.
Throughout his career, Farr was nominated to a U.S. District Court judgeship in eastern North Carolina four times by Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump, but he was never confirmed. His final nomination in 2018 faced criticism from civil rights groups and Democrats who accused him of defending racially discriminatory voting and redistricting laws in North Carolina, including a 2013 law that was struck down. Additionally, Farr came under fire for his association with the reelection campaign of Republican Sen. Jesse Helms in 1990, where postcards sent to Black voters were alleged to have been intimidating.
Despite Farr’s nomination being supported by his colleagues and legal partners, he ultimately faced political opposition. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, the lone Black Republican in the Senate, announced that he would not vote for Farr after new information came to light regarding the postcards sent by the Helms campaign in 1991. This decision, along with opposition from other senators, led to Farr’s confirmation failure. Farr’s colleagues described him as a compassionate person who had a significant impact on the legal field and inspired the next generation of lawyers.
Following Farr’s passing, he was remembered by North Carolina Republican House Speaker Tim Moore as a dedicated advocate for justice, the U.S. Constitution, and the founding principles of the country. Despite the controversies surrounding his nomination to the federal bench, Farr’s contributions to the legal field and his commitment to upholding Black voting rights were acknowledged and appreciated by those who knew him. Farr’s legacy as a legal titan and his tireless advocacy for justice will continue to inspire others for years to come.
