By rikififi90 
The race for a seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court concluded with Democrat Allison Riggs emerging victorious, securing her position after one of the most contentious and closely watched elections in the state’s recent history. Republican Jefferson Griffin announced his concession on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, bringing an end to months of legal challenges that questioned the validity of over 65,000 votes. The decision marked the resolution of the final uncalled contest from the 2024 U.S. election cycle.
The final tally showed Riggs with 50.01% of the vote compared to Griffin’s 49.9%, a razor-thin margin of 734 votes. The race, which involved multiple recounts and legal battles in state and federal courts, drew national attention due to its implications for the political balance of the court.
Riggs’ victory preserves the current composition of the state Supreme Court, maintaining the Republican majority at 5-2 rather than expanding it to 6-1, as would have occurred had Griffin prevailed. The election also spotlighted broader issues surrounding electoral transparency and integrity in North Carolina.
- Narrow margin: A 734-vote difference made this one of the closest races in recent state history.
- Prolonged legal fight: Challenges spanned state and federal courts since November 2024.
- Court balance: Riggs’ win prevents a stronger Republican majority.
Recounts shape final outcome
The North Carolina Supreme Court election required two recounts due to the exceptionally close initial results. After the first count, Griffin trailed by just 623 votes, prompting him to challenge the validity of over 65,000 ballots, which he claimed could be fraudulent.
The initial recount, conducted in November 2024, slightly narrowed the gap, but Riggs retained her lead. A second recount, finalized in December, further confirmed her advantage, though the margin remained tight.
In April 2025, a three-judge panel from the North Carolina Court of Appeals, where Griffin currently serves, ordered a reexamination of the 65,000 contested ballots. The state Supreme Court swiftly intervened, suspending the lower court’s ruling and upholding the original count.
- First recount: Reduced the gap to under 800 votes.
- Second recount: Confirmed Riggs’ lead in December 2024.
- Judicial ruling: The state Supreme Court blocked ballot reexamination in April 2025.
Legal challenges define campaign
Jefferson Griffin, a sitting judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals and a Duke Law School student, spearheaded a series of legal challenges that extended the election’s resolution. In November 2024, he filed a lawsuit against the North Carolina State Board of Elections, alleging that the board delayed providing public election data needed for his protests.
The lawsuit sparked debates about the transparency of the electoral process. Griffin requested that voters associated with the 65,000 contested ballots prove their eligibility within 15 days, a proposal critics deemed impractical. The state Supreme Court rejected this measure, affirming the validity of the ballots.
The legal saga reached a turning point on May 5, 2025, when U.S. District Judge Richard Myers ruled that the contested votes must be included in the final count. The decision effectively ended Griffin’s challenges, leading to his concession two days later.
BREAKING: Jefferson Griffin has conceded to Allison Riggs in the State Supreme Court race. Griffin says he will not appeal @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/D16BS9y23g
— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) May 7, 2025
Candidate profiles
Allison Riggs, an associate justice on the North Carolina Supreme Court since 2023, ran for re-election on a platform emphasizing impartial judicial decisions. Her campaign focused on protecting civil rights and maintaining an independent judiciary. Riggs, who previously served on the Court of Appeals, highlighted her extensive experience as a key strength.
Jefferson Griffin, a seasoned Court of Appeals judge, campaigned on a conservative platform that resonated with Republican voters seeking to bolster the party’s court majority. Known for his academic pursuits, Griffin is currently enrolled in a graduate program at Duke Law School.
- Allison Riggs: Associate justice since 2023, advocate for judicial impartiality.
- Jefferson Griffin: Court of Appeals judge, Duke Law student.
- Platforms: Riggs emphasized civil rights; Griffin promoted conservative values.
Implications for judicial system
The North Carolina Supreme Court election sparked discussions about the state’s judicial future. Riggs’ victory ensures the court’s current 5-2 Republican majority remains unchanged, avoiding a shift toward more conservative rulings. Observers note that the court’s composition will influence cases on reproductive rights, electoral redistricting, and education policy.
The race also raised concerns about public trust in the electoral process. Griffin’s challenges, though unsuccessful, fueled debates about the need for reforms to enhance transparency and streamline dispute resolutions.
National spotlight on election
The North Carolina Supreme Court race garnered significant national attention due to its political and judicial stakes. Major U.S. media outlets covered the election, focusing on the narrow margin and legal battles. The race was seen as a barometer of North Carolina’s polarized political landscape, which has oscillated between Democratic and Republican leadership.
Civic organizations and voter rights groups closely monitored the case, expressing alarm over attempts to invalidate thousands of votes. The final ruling, which upheld the original count, was hailed as a victory for electoral integrity.
- Media coverage: Outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post reported on the race.
- Civic groups: Organizations defended the validity of the 65,000 contested votes.
- Political climate: The election reflected partisan divisions in the state.
History of judicial disputes
North Carolina has a track record of contentious judicial elections. In 2018, a state Supreme Court race also involved recounts and ballot disputes, underscoring the polarized nature of these contests. The 2024 election, however, stood out for the unprecedented scale of Griffin’s challenge, which targeted a record number of votes.
Previous judicial races in the state have often mirrored broader partisan divides, with candidates competing in tightly contested battles. The Riggs-Griffin race followed this pattern but distinguished itself through its duration and national visibility.
Role of election board
The North Carolina State Board of Elections faced scrutiny during the race for delays in releasing data requested by Griffin. The board maintained that it adhered to legal protocols, but the delays heightened tensions between the campaigns.
In response, the board announced plans to review its procedures to ensure greater efficiency in future elections. The initiative aims to prevent similar controversies and bolster public confidence in the electoral system.
- Board criticism: Delays in data release fueled disputes.
- Planned reforms: The board committed to improving processes.
- Public trust: Reforms aim to enhance electoral transparency.
Campaign reactions
Allison Riggs’ campaign celebrated the victory, describing it as a affirmation of voter will. In a statement, her team expressed gratitude for supporters and reaffirmed her commitment to a fair judiciary.
Jefferson Griffin, in his concession, acknowledged the judicial ruling and stated that his campaign aimed to ensure electoral integrity. He thanked voters and signaled his intent to continue serving on the Court of Appeals.
Legacy of the race
The 2024 North Carolina Supreme Court election left a lasting mark on the state’s political and judicial landscape. The race underscored the importance of transparent electoral processes and the challenges of resolving disputes in close elections.
Riggs’ victory secures her seat until 2032, when the position will again be contested. The election also highlighted the critical role of state and federal courts in settling electoral conflicts, particularly in races with narrow margins.
- Riggs’ tenure: The justice will serve until 2032.
- Judicial resolution: Courts played a pivotal role in the outcome.
- Electoral transparency: The race emphasized the need for reforms.
Comparison with past elections
The 2024 election was not the first to spark controversy in North Carolina. In 2020, a Court of Appeals race also required recounts, though on a smaller scale. The 2024 race, however, was notable for its attempt to invalidate an unprecedented number of votes, raising concerns about electoral stability.
Historical data indicate that judicial elections in the state often reflect partisan divides, with candidates vying for slim margins. The Riggs-Griffin contest adhered to this trend but stood out for its extended timeline and visibility.
Future of judicial elections
The North Carolina Supreme Court race exposed vulnerabilities in the electoral process that may shape future reforms. Experts suggest the state could adopt measures like clearer deadlines for challenges and increased automation in vote counting.
The race also highlighted the growing politicization of judicial elections, with candidates increasingly tied to partisan platforms. This trend may influence campaign strategies in upcoming Supreme Court races, scheduled for 2026 and 2028.
- Proposed reforms: Automation and clearer challenge deadlines.
- Politicization: Judicial races reflect partisan divides.
- Future races: Elections in 2026 and 2028 may follow similar patterns.
The race for a seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court concluded with Democrat Allison Riggs emerging victorious, securing her position after one of the most contentious and closely watched elections in the state’s recent history. Republican Jefferson Griffin announced his concession on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, bringing an end to months of legal challenges that questioned the validity of over 65,000 votes. The decision marked the resolution of the final uncalled contest from the 2024 U.S. election cycle.
The final tally showed Riggs with 50.01% of the vote compared to Griffin’s 49.9%, a razor-thin margin of 734 votes. The race, which involved multiple recounts and legal battles in state and federal courts, drew national attention due to its implications for the political balance of the court.
Riggs’ victory preserves the current composition of the state Supreme Court, maintaining the Republican majority at 5-2 rather than expanding it to 6-1, as would have occurred had Griffin prevailed. The election also spotlighted broader issues surrounding electoral transparency and integrity in North Carolina.
- Narrow margin: A 734-vote difference made this one of the closest races in recent state history.
- Prolonged legal fight: Challenges spanned state and federal courts since November 2024.
- Court balance: Riggs’ win prevents a stronger Republican majority.
Recounts shape final outcome
The North Carolina Supreme Court election required two recounts due to the exceptionally close initial results. After the first count, Griffin trailed by just 623 votes, prompting him to challenge the validity of over 65,000 ballots, which he claimed could be fraudulent.
The initial recount, conducted in November 2024, slightly narrowed the gap, but Riggs retained her lead. A second recount, finalized in December, further confirmed her advantage, though the margin remained tight.
In April 2025, a three-judge panel from the North Carolina Court of Appeals, where Griffin currently serves, ordered a reexamination of the 65,000 contested ballots. The state Supreme Court swiftly intervened, suspending the lower court’s ruling and upholding the original count.
- First recount: Reduced the gap to under 800 votes.
- Second recount: Confirmed Riggs’ lead in December 2024.
- Judicial ruling: The state Supreme Court blocked ballot reexamination in April 2025.
Legal challenges define campaign
Jefferson Griffin, a sitting judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals and a Duke Law School student, spearheaded a series of legal challenges that extended the election’s resolution. In November 2024, he filed a lawsuit against the North Carolina State Board of Elections, alleging that the board delayed providing public election data needed for his protests.
The lawsuit sparked debates about the transparency of the electoral process. Griffin requested that voters associated with the 65,000 contested ballots prove their eligibility within 15 days, a proposal critics deemed impractical. The state Supreme Court rejected this measure, affirming the validity of the ballots.
The legal saga reached a turning point on May 5, 2025, when U.S. District Judge Richard Myers ruled that the contested votes must be included in the final count. The decision effectively ended Griffin’s challenges, leading to his concession two days later.
BREAKING: Jefferson Griffin has conceded to Allison Riggs in the State Supreme Court race. Griffin says he will not appeal @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/D16BS9y23g
— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) May 7, 2025
Candidate profiles
Allison Riggs, an associate justice on the North Carolina Supreme Court since 2023, ran for re-election on a platform emphasizing impartial judicial decisions. Her campaign focused on protecting civil rights and maintaining an independent judiciary. Riggs, who previously served on the Court of Appeals, highlighted her extensive experience as a key strength.
Jefferson Griffin, a seasoned Court of Appeals judge, campaigned on a conservative platform that resonated with Republican voters seeking to bolster the party’s court majority. Known for his academic pursuits, Griffin is currently enrolled in a graduate program at Duke Law School.
- Allison Riggs: Associate justice since 2023, advocate for judicial impartiality.
- Jefferson Griffin: Court of Appeals judge, Duke Law student.
- Platforms: Riggs emphasized civil rights; Griffin promoted conservative values.
Implications for judicial system
The North Carolina Supreme Court election sparked discussions about the state’s judicial future. Riggs’ victory ensures the court’s current 5-2 Republican majority remains unchanged, avoiding a shift toward more conservative rulings. Observers note that the court’s composition will influence cases on reproductive rights, electoral redistricting, and education policy.
The race also raised concerns about public trust in the electoral process. Griffin’s challenges, though unsuccessful, fueled debates about the need for reforms to enhance transparency and streamline dispute resolutions.
National spotlight on election
The North Carolina Supreme Court race garnered significant national attention due to its political and judicial stakes. Major U.S. media outlets covered the election, focusing on the narrow margin and legal battles. The race was seen as a barometer of North Carolina’s polarized political landscape, which has oscillated between Democratic and Republican leadership.
Civic organizations and voter rights groups closely monitored the case, expressing alarm over attempts to invalidate thousands of votes. The final ruling, which upheld the original count, was hailed as a victory for electoral integrity.
- Media coverage: Outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post reported on the race.
- Civic groups: Organizations defended the validity of the 65,000 contested votes.
- Political climate: The election reflected partisan divisions in the state.
History of judicial disputes
North Carolina has a track record of contentious judicial elections. In 2018, a state Supreme Court race also involved recounts and ballot disputes, underscoring the polarized nature of these contests. The 2024 election, however, stood out for the unprecedented scale of Griffin’s challenge, which targeted a record number of votes.
Previous judicial races in the state have often mirrored broader partisan divides, with candidates competing in tightly contested battles. The Riggs-Griffin race followed this pattern but distinguished itself through its duration and national visibility.
Role of election board
The North Carolina State Board of Elections faced scrutiny during the race for delays in releasing data requested by Griffin. The board maintained that it adhered to legal protocols, but the delays heightened tensions between the campaigns.
In response, the board announced plans to review its procedures to ensure greater efficiency in future elections. The initiative aims to prevent similar controversies and bolster public confidence in the electoral system.
- Board criticism: Delays in data release fueled disputes.
- Planned reforms: The board committed to improving processes.
- Public trust: Reforms aim to enhance electoral transparency.
Campaign reactions
Allison Riggs’ campaign celebrated the victory, describing it as a affirmation of voter will. In a statement, her team expressed gratitude for supporters and reaffirmed her commitment to a fair judiciary.
Jefferson Griffin, in his concession, acknowledged the judicial ruling and stated that his campaign aimed to ensure electoral integrity. He thanked voters and signaled his intent to continue serving on the Court of Appeals.
Legacy of the race
The 2024 North Carolina Supreme Court election left a lasting mark on the state’s political and judicial landscape. The race underscored the importance of transparent electoral processes and the challenges of resolving disputes in close elections.
Riggs’ victory secures her seat until 2032, when the position will again be contested. The election also highlighted the critical role of state and federal courts in settling electoral conflicts, particularly in races with narrow margins.
- Riggs’ tenure: The justice will serve until 2032.
- Judicial resolution: Courts played a pivotal role in the outcome.
- Electoral transparency: The race emphasized the need for reforms.
Comparison with past elections
The 2024 election was not the first to spark controversy in North Carolina. In 2020, a Court of Appeals race also required recounts, though on a smaller scale. The 2024 race, however, was notable for its attempt to invalidate an unprecedented number of votes, raising concerns about electoral stability.
Historical data indicate that judicial elections in the state often reflect partisan divides, with candidates vying for slim margins. The Riggs-Griffin contest adhered to this trend but stood out for its extended timeline and visibility.
Future of judicial elections
The North Carolina Supreme Court race exposed vulnerabilities in the electoral process that may shape future reforms. Experts suggest the state could adopt measures like clearer deadlines for challenges and increased automation in vote counting.
The race also highlighted the growing politicization of judicial elections, with candidates increasingly tied to partisan platforms. This trend may influence campaign strategies in upcoming Supreme Court races, scheduled for 2026 and 2028.
- Proposed reforms: Automation and clearer challenge deadlines.
- Politicization: Judicial races reflect partisan divides.
- Future races: Elections in 2026 and 2028 may follow similar patterns.
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