WCNC Charlotte's Flashpoint

The race for a seat on North Carolina's Supreme Court is one of the most significant contests for voters in the 2024 election. 

Incumbent Justice Allison Riggs, is facing Republican Jefferson Griffin, a North Carolina appeals judge in the race.

The seat up for election is one of the Democratic positions currently held by Riggs. North Carolina is one of eight states that conduct partisan elections for the Supreme Court, a practice this year’s candidates debate.

Riggs explained that she runs with a party affiliation out of necessity. 

“One of the critiques of the judiciary is that our judicial races have become partisan,” she said. “But I tell folks I'm not a policymaker. The Republican legislature decided to make these races partisan. Those are the rules of the game under which I am forced to operate.”

She noted that many Supreme Court candidates receive donations from lawyers and law firms during their campaigns but emphasized her commitment to impartiality. 

“I'm going to do my best to ensure that voters understand who I am and what my values are," Riggs said. "I care about the integrity and perception of the bench."

Griffin contended that partisanship in this race reflects an ideological divide between conservative and liberal jurists. 

“I think North Carolinians would probably like seven conservative jurists in the state," Griffin said. "It's not necessarily political; it's ideological. I believe North Carolinians want judges who apply the law as it’s written.”

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/flashpoint/north-carolina-supreme-court-election-2024-candidates-different-ideologies-highest-court/275-24922bcf-6e91-461d-9780-bb88ac113328