After spending over thirty years as a Judge, Senator Snow brings an experienced and reasoned voice to the Justice and Public Safety debates that the Senate engages in. He has been a strong and consistent voice for protecting the public by working for tougher new laws against methamphetamine makers and for providing resources for more education, awareness, and treatment programs. In addition to this Senator Snow has worked hard to provide more funding to local law enforcement and rescue personnel for the important work that they do. Senator Snow has also been a leader in the fight against those that commit crimes against children with his sponsorship of Jessica's Law which provides significantly tougher penalties for sex offenders and Rachel's Law which provides much harsher penalties for criminals who commit reckless violence with weapons.

Senator Snow is a strong advocate for investing in our public schools, empowering parents, and challenging all students to meet higher academic standards. He seeks to give all North Carolinians, regardless of income, the opportunity to go to college in order to develop the skills that they need to compete in the global economy.

Senator Snow is a vocal advocate of lobbying reform and holding public servants to a higher ethical standard. He has spoken at length about the need for a more open process that allows everyone to participate in their government. Senator Snow is committed to improving our communities and the moral values that we live by through working with parents to create an environment that strengthens families and communities.

While Senator Snow has found much success in his first term as a member of the Senate he knows that there is much work to be done for all of Western North Carolina. His resolve remains firm to improving the life and living conditions of the people of Western North Carolina.

Professional Career

Senator Snow was born in Asheville North Carolina on October 24, 1945 and attended public schools in Cherokee County. He received his bachelor's degree from Wake Forest College in 1967. Upon graduation he decided to fulfill his obligation to the US Army instead of pursing a career in the National Football League. After being discharged from the Army he attended Wake Forest Law graduating in 1970. Upon graduation Senator Snow worked in private law practice until becoming an Assistant District Attorney.

After four years working as a District Attorney Senator Snow was elected in 1976 as a District Court Judge to the 30th District bench. In 1986 Senator Snow took over the position of Chief District Court Judge for the 30th District. As a Judge he upheld the law with reason and fairness for those who came before him. He took a special interest in the well being of abused, neglected and dependent children pursuing every avenue to rebuild families with social workers and the Guardian ad Litem program to try to return children safely to their family. From the bench he saw the damages that illegal drugs can do to entire families and communities and has worked in the Senate to remove these types of poisons from North Carolina’s communities.

The Snow Family

Senator Snow lives in Murphy, North Carolina with his wife Sheila. Together they are the proud parents of four children - Paige, Melissa, Nancy, and John - and three grandchildren.

Please visit Senator Snow’s Issue’s Page to learn more about his vision for the 50th district.