Thomas Farr, a prominent North Carolina redistricting and election law attorney known for defending Republican interests, passed away at the age of 69. He died on Monday following heart problems, according to a legal colleague. Farr was described as a legal titan both in North Carolina and nationwide, with a record of legal accomplishments that led to multiple nominations for a federal judgeship. Despite his significant experience and expertise, Farr’s final nomination was blocked due to criticism by civil rights groups and Democrats, who raised concerns about his defense of racially discriminatory voting and redistricting laws in North Carolina.
Farr, originally from Ohio, arrived in North Carolina in the 1980s and became well-known for his work in redistricting litigation. He participated in oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court in the 1990s, where voters successfully challenged a majority-black congressional district drawn by North Carolina Democrats. In the 2010s, as Republicans took control of the state legislature, Farr continued to work on voting and redistricting cases. Despite being nominated for a U.S. District Court judgeship multiple times by Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump, Farr was never confirmed due to ongoing criticisms about his legal defense of controversial laws.
One of the key controversies surrounding Farr’s nomination involved his defense of laws in North Carolina that were deemed racially discriminatory. Critics also pointed to his work as a lawyer for the reelection campaign of Republican Senator Jesse Helms in 1990, during which postcards were sent primarily to black voters in an alleged attempt to intimidate them from voting. Although Farr denied being involved in the creation or distribution of the postcards, the allegations significantly impacted his nomination process. Ultimately, his confirmation failure was sealed by Senator Tim Scott’s decision not to vote for him, based on new information related to the postcard issue. Despite the defeat, Farr’s colleagues praised him for his contributions to the legal field and his commitment to justice.
Phil Strach, a fellow attorney who worked with Farr for 25 years, described him as a compassionate person who helped mentor the next generation of lawyers. Strach expressed confusion over the negative backlash that Farr faced, considering his previous work to protect black voting rights. Farr’s defeat was attributed to what Strach called the politicized nature of the allegations against him. North Carolina Republican House Speaker Tim Moore also paid tribute to Farr, recognizing his tireless advocacy for justice and his commitment to upholding the U.S. Constitution and the founding principles of the country. Despite the challenges he faced in his final nomination, Farr’s legacy as a dedicated legal professional is expected to inspire others for years to come.
