North Carolina Supreme Court elections, 2024
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Incumbent JusticeAllison Riggs (D) defeatedJefferson Griffin (R) in thepartisan general election for a seat on theNorth Carolina Supreme Court on November 5, 2024.
On May 7, 2025, Griffin conceded the election, ending all recounts and legal challenges to the outcome.[1] To read a detailed timeline of events surrounding post-election lawsuits and recounts, clickhere.
The Raleigh News & Observer's Kyle Ingram wrote the race "lack[s] much of the public vitriol or big personalities present in races higher on the ballot — but the stakes are high."[2]
At the time of election, the court had a 5-2 Republican majority. Heading into the2020 election, Democrats held a 6-1 majority on the court. They lost 2 seats, reducing their majority on the court to 4-3. In2022, Republicans won two seats, changing the balance of the court to a 5-2 Republican majority. In 2024, the court could have remained a 5-2 Republican majority or could have turned into a 6-1 Republican majority. To read more about past court elections, clickhere.
Both parties saw this race as crucial for control of the court. Riggs said, "The supreme court isn't flipping control in this election. I am employing a plan, working with JusticeAnita Earls and many others to help win back our courts in the 2028 election. Still, we're going to have to defend my seat in 2024. Justice Earls’ seat in 2026 before we can do that."[3] North Carolina GOP Judicial Victory Fund Chair Susan Mills highlighted the importance of winning this seat, saying, "Having the majority this cycle doesn't guarantee we will keep it in the future."[2]The Charlotte Observer's Paige Masten wrote, "If Democrats lose in November, they technically still have a chance of flipping the court in 2028. But that will be significantly harder."[4]
Gov.Roy Cooper (D) appointed Riggs to replace JusticeMichael R. Morgan (D) in 2023.[5] She said her "record demonstrates without question my commitment to our constitution and the protections it provides for the people of this state."[6] She said that she "value[s] reproductive freedoms. I value democracy and know that it doesn’t defend itself without people on the bench being willing to enforce the Constitution."[2] Riggs described JusticeKetanji Brown Jackson's judicial method as an influence and said that she has "been intentional in applying this in my own judicial work. By focusing on process, rather than 'brand,' I believe I am best complying with my constitutional duty to rule without fear or favor."[7] Riggs was a former appellate justice and civil rights attorney.
Griffin campaigned on his experience and said, "I’ve been able to show the people of North Carolina that I’m a constitutional conservative, that I believe in the rule of law."[8] Griffin said that he is "more of anoriginalist than anything...My interpretation of it is, I’m gonna look at this legal document...as of the time it was written."[2] He said that he admires "Clarence Thomas’s judicial philosophy. He’s always consistent."[8] Griffin believed that North Carolina voters "want judges who interpret the law and aren’t activists, who don’t go up there with any agenda...I’m there to do my job, I have no policy agenda — I’m there to interpret the law."[2] Griffin served on theNorth Carolina Court of Appeals.
According to the most recent fundraising data before the election, Riggs had raised $1.1 million and spent $456,619, and Griffin raised $1.2 million and spent $198,521. To read more about campaign finance data, clickhere
North Carolina was one of 33 states that held state supreme court elections in 2024 and one of seven that held partisan supreme court elections. To read more about which states that held supreme court elections in 2024, clickhere.
Candidates and election results
General election
General election for North Carolina Supreme Court
IncumbentAllison Riggs defeatedJefferson Griffin in the general election for North Carolina Supreme Court on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Allison Riggs (D) | 50.0 | 2,770,412 |
 | Jefferson Griffin (R) | 50.0 | 2,769,678 | |
| Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source | Total votes: 5,540,090 | ||
 = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for North Carolina Supreme Court
IncumbentAllison Riggs defeatedLora Cubbage in the Democratic primary for North Carolina Supreme Court on March 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Allison Riggs | 69.1 | 450,268 |
 | Lora Cubbage | 30.9 | 201,336 | |
| Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source | Total votes: 651,604 | ||
| = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled.Jefferson Griffin advanced from the Republican primary for North Carolina Supreme Court.
Election aftermath
On May 7, 2025, Griffin conceded the election, ending all recounts and legal challenges to the outcome.[1]
Click below for a timeline of the recount and lawsuits filed.
- May 7, 2025
Griffin conceded the election.[1]
- May 5, 2025
Judge Richard Myers orders the Board of Elections to certify the election, but gives Griffin a week to appeal the decision.[9]
- April 22, 2025
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a temporary block of the state supreme court's ruling on the 30-day curing process.[10]
- April 15, 2025
The State Board of Elections filed in federal court, saying that the number of ballots which were affected by the state court's decision was 1,675 votes.[11]
- April 14, 2025
TheLeague of Women Voters filed a lawsuit in theEastern District of North Carolina to prevent the State Board of Elections from removing military voters from the results.[12]
Recount laws in North Carolina
- See also:Recount laws in North Carolina
The list below shows answers to common questions regarding recounts in North Carolina.[47]
- Does state law require automatic recounts?
- Yes, if election officials discover a substantial error while conducting a random-sample partial recount as part of a requested recount. The specific circumstances can be found below.
- When must an automatic recount be completed?
- No set deadline.
- Can a recount be requested?
- Yes, in the event of specific close vote margins, describedbelow. The deadline to request a recount for offices governed by the state board of elections is no later than 12:00 p.m. on the second business day after the canvass. For races governed by a county board of elections, the deadline is no later than 5:00 p.m. on the first business day after the canvass. There is no deadline for completion.
- Who pays for a requested recount?
- There is no mention in state law, but the general practice is that the state covers the cost of a requested recount.[48]
- Is a refund available for requested recount costs?
- Not applicable. The state covers the cost of requested recounts.
- Can a partial recount be requested?
- No.
Requested recount procedures
North Carolina allows candidates to request a recount under the following circumstances:[49]
- Races governed by a county board of elections:
- Single-seat elections: if the difference between the votes for the requester and the winning candidate is less than or equal to 1% of the total votes cast in the election.
- Multi-seat elections: if the difference is less than or equal to 1% of the votes cast for the two winning candidates.
- The deadline to request such recounts is no later than 5:00 p.m. on the first business day after the canvass.
- Races governed by the state board of elections:
- Statewide elections: if the difference between the votes for the requester and the winning candidate is less than or equal to 10,000 votes or 0.5% of the votes cast, whichever is less.
- Non-statewide elections: if the difference is less than or equal to 1% of the votes cast for single-seat elections or 1% of the votes for the two winning candidates for multi-seat elections.
- The deadline to request such recounts is no later than 12:00 p.m on the second business day after the canvass.
Voting information
- See also:Voting in North Carolina
Election information inNorth Carolina: Nov. 5, 2024, election.
What was the voter registration deadline?
- In-person: Nov. 2, 2024
- By mail: Postmarked by Oct. 11, 2024
- Online: Oct. 11, 2024
Was absentee/mail-in voting available to all voters?
What was the absentee/mail-in ballot request deadline?
- In-person: Oct. 29, 2024
- By mail: Received by Oct. 29, 2024
- Online: Oct. 29, 2024
What was the absentee/mail-in ballot return deadline?
- In-person: Nov. 5, 2024
- By mail: Received by Nov. 5, 2024
Was early voting available to all voters?
What were the early voting start and end dates?
Were all voters required to present ID at the polls? If so, was a photo or non-photo ID required?
When were polls open on Election Day?
Candidate comparison
Candidate profiles
This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, clickhere.
Party:Democratic Party
Incumbent: Yes
Political Office:
- Supreme Court of North Carolina (Assumed office: 2023)
- North Carolina Court of Appeals (2023)
Biography: Riggs received a bachelor's degree in microbiology, a master's degree in history, and a law degree from the University of Florida. Before she was appointed to theNorth Carolina Court of Appeals, Riggs worked as a voting rights attorney for the Southern Coalition for Social Justice.
Key Messages
The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages,click here.
Riggs said her top priority was "ensuring the North Carolina Supreme Court remains accessible, fair, and impartial, upholding the rights of all citizens and providing important checks and balances in a healthy democracy."
Riggs focused on her judicial methodology and said, "I prefer a judicial methodology, as opposed to philosophy, in thinking about how I approach cases. Judicial philosophies seem to me to just be code for a judge’s political leanings...By focusing on process, rather than 'brand,' I believe I am best complying with my constitutional duty to rule without fear or favor."
Riggs highlighted her record as an attorney and judge and said, "my record demonstrates...my commitment to our constitution and the protections it provides for the people of this state. I hope to continue doing this work and enforcing the constitution if elected."
Show sources
Sources:The Raleigh News & Observer,"‘Candidate for NC Supreme Court, Democrat Allison Riggs, answers our questions," September 25, 2024;The Raleigh News & Observer, "Candidate for NC Supreme Court, Democrat Allison Riggs, answers our questions," February 11, 2024;The Rocky Mount Telegram, "Appointed justice seeks election to NC Supreme Court seat," February 14, 2024; LinkedIn, Allison Riggs," accessed September 18, 2024
This information was current as of the candidate's run for North Carolina Supreme Court in 2024.
Party:Republican Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office:
- North Carolina Court of Appeals(Assumed office: 2021)
Biography: Griffin received a bachelor's degree in history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a law degree from North Carolina Central University. He previously worked as an attorney, a district attorney for Wake County, a district court judge, and a Captain in the North Carolina National Guard.
Key Messages
The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages,click here.
Griffin focused on his experience on the Court of Appeals and saidhe had "been able to show the people of North Carolina that I’m a constitutional conservative, that I believe in the rule of law."
Griffin's website said of his philosophy "Judge Griffin is an originalist and a textualist. Judge Griffin believes the words of the Constitution mean what they say. Judge Griffin believes in the separation of powers, judicial restraint and the independence of the judiciary. "
Griffin said that voters "want judges who interpret the law and aren’t activists, who don’t go up there with any agenda...I’m there to do my job, I have no policy agenda — I’m there to interpret the law."
Show sources
Sources:North State Journal, "Jefferson Griffin looks to join Republican majority on NC Supreme Court," July 20, 2023; Jefferson Griffin 2024 campaign website ,"Judge Griffin's Judicial Philosophy," accessed September 18, 2024; The Raleigh News & Observer,"‘The power levers in our state’ run through its courts. Your choices for NC’s next justice," September 4, 2024; LinkedIn, "Jefferson Griffin," accessed September 18, 2024
This information was current as of the candidate's run for North Carolina Supreme Court in 2024.
Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses
Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
No candidate in this race completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.
Campaign ads
Allison Riggs
Jefferson Griffin
Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for Jefferson Griffin while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, pleaseemail us.
Endorsements
Click the links below to see official endorsement lists published on candidate campaign websites for any candidates that make that information available. If you are aware of a website that should be included, pleaseemail us.
Past election results
2022
The terms of twoNorth Carolina Supreme Court justices expired on December 31, 2022. The two seats were up forpartisan election on November 8, 2022.
Candidates and results
Seat 3: Hudson vacancy
General election
General election for North Carolina Supreme Court
Richard Dietz defeatedLucy N. Inman in the general election for North Carolina Supreme Court on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Richard Dietz (R) | 52.4 | 1,965,840 |
 | Lucy N. Inman (D) | 47.6 | 1,786,650 | |
| There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source | Total votes: 3,752,490 | ||
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Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled.Lucy N. Inman advanced from the Democratic primary for North Carolina Supreme Court.
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled.Richard Dietz advanced from the Republican primary for North Carolina Supreme Court.
Seat 5: Ervin's seat
General election
General election for North Carolina Supreme Court
Trey Allen defeated incumbentSam Ervin IV in the general election for North Carolina Supreme Court on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Trey Allen (R) | 52.2 | 1,957,440 |
 | Sam Ervin IV (D) | 47.8 | 1,792,873 | |
| Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source | Total votes: 3,750,313 | ||
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Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. IncumbentSam Ervin IV advanced from the Democratic primary for North Carolina Supreme Court.
Republican primary election
Republican primary for North Carolina Supreme Court
Trey Allen defeatedApril C. Wood andVictoria Prince in the Republican primary for North Carolina Supreme Court on May 17, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Trey Allen | 55.4 | 385,124 |
 | April C. Wood | 36.3 | 252,504 | |
| Victoria Prince | 8.3 | 57,672 | ||
| There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source | Total votes: 695,300 | ||
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Justices not on the ballot
- Robin Hudson (D)
2020
The terms of threeNorth Carolina Supreme Court justices expired on December 31, 2020. The three seats were up forpartisan election on November 3, 2020.
Candidates and election results
Chief justice: Beasley's seat
General election
General election for North Carolina Supreme Court
Paul Martin Newby defeated incumbentCheri Beasley in the general election for North Carolina Supreme Court on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Paul Martin Newby (R) | 50.0 | 2,695,951 |
 | Cheri Beasley (D) | 50.0 | 2,695,550 | |
| Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source | Total votes: 5,391,501 | ||
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Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. IncumbentCheri Beasley advanced from the Democratic primary for North Carolina Supreme Court.
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled.Paul Martin Newby advanced from the Republican primary for North Carolina Supreme Court.
Seat 2: Newby's seat
General election
General election for North Carolina Supreme Court
Phil Berger Jr. defeatedLucy N. Inman in the general election for North Carolina Supreme Court on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Phil Berger Jr. (R) | 50.7 | 2,723,704 |
| Lucy N. Inman (D) | 49.3 | 2,652,187 | |
| There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source | Total votes: 5,375,891 | ||
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Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled.Lucy N. Inman advanced from the Democratic primary for North Carolina Supreme Court.
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled.Phil Berger Jr. advanced from the Republican primary for North Carolina Supreme Court.
Seat 4: Davis' seat
General election
General election for North Carolina Supreme Court
Tamara Barringer defeated incumbentMark A. Davis in the general election for North Carolina Supreme Court on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Tamara Barringer (R) | 51.2 | 2,746,362 |
 | Mark A. Davis (D) | 48.8 | 2,616,265 | |
| Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source | Total votes: 5,362,627 | ||
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Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. IncumbentMark A. Davis advanced from the Democratic primary for North Carolina Supreme Court.
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled.Tamara Barringer advanced from the Republican primary for North Carolina Supreme Court.
2018
The term of one North Carolina Supreme Court justice expired on December 31, 2018. IncumbentBarbara Jackson (R) stood forpartisan election on November 6, 2018.Anita Earls (D) defeated Jackson andChris Anglin (R) to win the position.
Candidates and results
Seat 1: Jackson's seat
General election
General election for North Carolina Supreme Court
Anita Earls defeated incumbentBarbara Jackson andChris Anglin in the general election for North Carolina Supreme Court on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Anita Earls (D) | 49.6 | 1,812,751 |
 | Barbara Jackson (R) | 34.1 | 1,246,263 | |
 | Chris Anglin (R) | 16.4 | 598,753 | |
| Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source | Total votes: 3,657,767 (100.00% precincts reporting) | ||
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Election spending
Campaign finance
- See also:Campaign finance
The section and tables below contain data from financial reports submitted to state agencies. The data is gathered and made available byTransparency USA.
Satellite spending
- See also:Satellite spending
Satellite spending describes political spending not controlled by candidates or their campaigns; that is, any political expenditures made by groups or individuals that are not directly affiliated with a candidate. This includes spending by political party committees,super PACs, trade associations, and501(c)(4)nonprofit groups.[50][51][52]
If available, this section includes links to online resources tracking satellite spending in this election. To notify us of a resource to add,email us.
Election analysis
Click the tabs below to view information about demographics, past elections, and partisan control of the state.
- Presidential elections - Information about presidential elections in the state.
- Statewide elections - Information about recent U.S. Senate and gubernatorial elections in the state.
- State partisanship - The partisan makeup of the state's congressional delegation and state government.
- Demographics - Information about the state's demographics and how they compare to the country as a whole.
Cook PVI by congressional district
2020 presidential results by 2024 congressional district lines
| 2020 presidential results in congressional districts based on 2024 district lines, North Carolina[53] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District | Joe Biden | Donald Trump | ||
| North Carolina's 1st | 50.4% | 48.8% | ||
| North Carolina's 2nd | 66.9% | 31.5% | ||
| North Carolina's 3rd | 40.7% | 58.0% | ||
| North Carolina's 4th | 72.4% | 26.2% | ||
| North Carolina's 5th | 41.8% | 57.2% | ||
| North Carolina's 6th | 41.2% | 57.5% | ||
| North Carolina's 7th | 43.9% | 54.9% | ||
| North Carolina's 8th | 40.6% | 58.3% | ||
| North Carolina's 9th | 42.4% | 56.3% | ||
| North Carolina's 10th | 41.4% | 57.4% | ||
| North Carolina's 11th | 43.8% | 54.8% | ||
| North Carolina's 12th | 74.4% | 24.2% | ||
| North Carolina's 13th | 40.7% | 57.9% | ||
| North Carolina's 14th | 41.4% | 57.5% | ||
2012-2020
How a state's counties vote in a presidential election and the size of those counties can provide additional insights into election outcomes at other levels of government including statewide and congressional races. Below, four categories are used to describe each county's voting pattern over the 2012, 2016, and 2020 presidential elections:Solid,Trending,Battleground, andNew. Click [show] on the table below for examples:
| County-level voting pattern categories | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | |||||||
| Status | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | ||||
| Solid Democratic | D | D | D | ||||
| Trending Democratic | R | D | D | ||||
| Battleground Democratic | D | R | D | ||||
| New Democratic | R | R | D | ||||
| Republican | |||||||
| Status | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | ||||
| Solid Republican | R | R | R | ||||
| Trending Republican | D | R | R | ||||
| Battleground Republican | R | D | R | ||||
| New Republican | D | D | R | ||||
Following the 2020 presidential election,47.1% of North Carolinians lived in one of the state's22 Solid Democratic counties, which voted for the Democratic presidential candidate in every election from 2012 to 2020, and46.3% lived in one of68 Solid Republican counties. Overall, North Carolina wasSolid Republican, having voted forMitt Romney (R) in 2012,Donald Trump (R) in 2016, andDonald Trump (R) in 2020. Use the table below to view the total number of each type of county in North Carolina following the 2020 election as well as the overall percentage of the state population located in each county type.
| North Carolina county-level statistics, 2020 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Democratic | 22 | 47.1% | |||||
| Solid Republican | 68 | 46.3% | |||||
| Trending Republican | 6 | 2.7% | |||||
| New Democratic | 1 | 2.2% | |||||
| Battleground Democratic | 1 | 0.9% | |||||
| Trending Democratic | 1 | 0.5% | |||||
| New Republican | 1 | 0.3% | |||||
| Total voted Democratic | 25 | 50.7% | |||||
| Total voted Republican | 75 | 49.3% | |||||
Historical voting trends
North Carolina presidential election results (1900-2020)
- 18Democratic wins
- 13Republican wins
| Year | 1900 | 1904 | 1908 | 1912 | 1916 | 1920 | 1924 | 1928 | 1932 | 1936 | 1940 | 1944 | 1948 | 1952 | 1956 | 1960 | 1964 | 1968 | 1972 | 1976 | 1980 | 1984 | 1988 | 1992 | 1996 | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winning Party | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | D | R | R | R |
This section details the results of the five most recent U.S. Senate and gubernatorial elections held in the state.
U.S. Senate elections
The table below details the vote in the five most recent U.S. Senate races in North Carolina.
| U.S. Senate election results in North Carolina | ||
|---|---|---|
| Race | Winner | Runner up |
| 2022 | 50.5% | 47.3% |
| 2020 | 48.7% | 46.9% |
| 2016 | 51.1% | 45.3% |
| 2014 | 48.8% | 47.3% |
| 2010 | 55.0% | 42.9% |
| Average | 50.8 | 45.9 |
Gubernatorial elections
- See also:Governor of North Carolina
The table below details the vote in the five most recent gubernatorial elections in North Carolina.
| Gubernatorial election results in North Carolina | ||
|---|---|---|
| Race | Winner | Runner up |
| 2020 | 51.5% | 47.0% |
| 2016 | 49.0% | 48.8% |
| 2012 | 54.6% | 43.2% |
| 2008 | 50.3% | 46.9% |
| 2004 | 55.6% | 42.9% |
| Average | 52.2 | 45.8 |
Congressional delegation
The table below displays the partisan composition of North Carolina's congressional delegation as of May 2024.
| Congressional Partisan Breakdown from North Carolina | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | U.S. Senate | U.S. House | Total |
| Democratic | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Republican | 2 | 10 | 12 |
| Independent | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vacancies | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 2 | 14 | 16 |
State executive
The table below displays the officeholders in North Carolina's top four state executive offices as of May 2024.
| State executive officials in North Carolina, May 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Office | Officeholder |
| Governor | Roy Cooper |
| Lieutenant Governor | Mark Robinson |
| Secretary of State | Elaine Marshall |
| Attorney General | Josh Stein |
State legislature
North Carolina State Senate
| Party | As of February 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic Party | 20 | |
| Republican Party | 30 | |
| Other | 0 | |
| Vacancies | 0 | |
| Total | 50 | |
North Carolina House of Representatives
| Party | As of February 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic Party | 48 | |
| Republican Party | 72 | |
| Other | 0 | |
| Vacancies | 0 | |
| Total | 120 | |
Trifecta control
The table below shows the state's trifecta status from 1992 until the 2024 election.
North Carolina Party Control: 1992-2024
Fourteen years of Democratic trifectas • Four years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.
The table below details demographic data in North Carolina and compares it to the broader United States as of 2022.
| Demographic Data for North Carolina | ||
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | United States | |
| Population | 10,439,388 | 331,449,281 |
| Land area (sq mi) | 48,623 | 3,531,905 |
| Race and ethnicity** | ||
| White | 65% | 65.9% |
| Black/African American | 20.9% | 12.5% |
| Asian | 3.1% | 5.8% |
| Native American | 1% | 0.8% |
| Pacific Islander | 0.1% | 0.2% |
| Other (single race) | 4% | 6% |
| Multiple | 5.9% | 8.8% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 10% | 18.7% |
| Education | ||
| High school graduation rate | 89.4% | 89.1% |
| College graduation rate | 33.9% | 34.3% |
| Income | ||
| Median household income | $66,186 | $75,149 |
| Persons below poverty level | 9.5% | 8.8% |
| Source: population provided by U.S. Census Bureau,"Decennial Census" (2020). Other figures provided by U.S. Census Bureau,"American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2017-2022). | ||
| **Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the censushere. | ||
About the North Carolina Supreme Court
- See also:North Carolina Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of North Carolina is the state's highestappellate court and is located in Raleigh,North Carolina. The court consists of six associate justices and one chief justice, although the number of justices has varied from time to time.
Political composition
This was the political composition of the court heading into the 2024 election.
| ■Trey Allen | Elected in 2022 | |
| ■Tamara Barringer | Elected in 2020 | |
| ■Phil Berger Jr. | Elected in 2020 | |
| ■Richard Dietz | Elected in 2022 | |
| ■Anita Earls | Elected in 2018 | |
| ■Paul Martin Newby | Elected in 2004, 2012, and 2020 | |
| ■Allison Riggs | Appointed by Gov.Roy Cooper (D) in 2023 |
Selection
- See also:Judicial selection in North Carolina
Each of the seven justices on theNorth Carolina Supreme Court serves terms of eight years. In the case of a vacancy, the governor appoints a successor to serve until the next general election which is held more than 60 days after the vacancy occurs. An election is then held for a full eight-year term.[54][55]
Qualifications
To serve on this court, a person must be licensed to practice law in North Carolina. There is a mandatory retirement age of 72 years.[56]
2024 battleground elections
- See also:Battlegrounds
This was abattleground election. Other 2024 battleground elections included:
- Mayoral election in Las Vegas, Nevada 2024 (June 11 primary election)
- Montana Supreme Court elections, 2024
- Virginia's 7th Congressional District election, 2024
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑1.01.11.2WCNC, "Jefferson Griffin concedes North Carolina Supreme Court race," May 7, 2025
- ↑2.02.12.22.32.4The Raleigh News & Observer, "‘The power levers in our state’ run through its courts. Your choices for NC’s next justice," accessed September 14, 2024
- ↑The Daily Tar Heel, "Q&A: Allison Riggs speaks about civil rights experience, keeping seat on N.C. Supreme Court," accessed September 15, 2024
- ↑Charlotte Observer, "Democrats are changing their strategy for 2024’s must-win NC Supreme Court race | Opinion," accessed September 15, 2024
- ↑North Carolina Governor's Website, "Governor Cooper Announces Two Judicial Appointments," accessed September 15, 2024
- ↑Rocky Mount Telegram, "Appointed justice seeks election to NC Supreme Court seat," accessed September 14, 2024
- ↑The Raleigh News & Observer, "Candidate for NC Supreme Court, Democrat Allison Riggs, answers our questions," accessed September 15, 2024
- ↑8.08.1North State Journal, "Jefferson Griffin looks to join Republican majority on NC Supreme Court ," accessed September 15, 2024
- ↑AP News, "Federal judge says results of North Carolina court race with Democrat ahead must be certified," May 5, 2025
- ↑The Raleigh News & Observer, "Federal judges block NC Supreme Court election ‘cure’ process — for now," April 22, 2025
- ↑The Assembly NC, "Elections Officials Narrow Jefferson Griffin’s Path to Victory," April 16, 2025
- ↑League of Women Voters, "Impacted Voters, League of Women Voters of North Carolina File Lawsuit to Defend North Carolina Voters from Post-Election Disenfranchisement," April 14, 2025
- ↑The Carolina Journal, "Federal judge orders NC Supreme Court election plan to proceed" April 12, 2025
- ↑The New York Times, "Thousands of Voters Must Verify Information in Contested Election, N.C. Supreme Court Rules," April 11, 2025
- ↑The Carolina Journal, "Griffin must respond Friday to filings in NC Supreme Court election dispute" April 10, 2025
- ↑The New York Times, "N.C. Supreme Court Halts Voter Eligibility Review in Contested Judicial Race," April 7, 2025
- ↑The Carolina Journal, "Appeals Court orders new vote calculations in NC Supreme Court election dispute" April 4, 2025
- ↑The Carolina Journal, "Appellate judges reject full court hearing of Griffin-Riggs election dispute," March 14, 2025
- ↑Carolina Journal, "Top NC court rejects request to take Griffin/Riggs election dispute now," February 20, 2025
- ↑Carolina Journal, "State elections board asks top NC court to take up Griffin/Riggs election dispute," February 17, 2025
- ↑Carolina Journal, "State elections board confirms it will seek NC Supreme Court review of Griffin/Riggs dispute," February 13, 2025
- ↑CBS 17, "Jefferson Griffin appeals Wake County judge’s decision in NC Supreme Court race," February 10, 2025
- ↑NC Newsline, "GOP Judge Jefferson Griffin appeals trial court loss in his effort to throw out votes," February 10, 2025
- ↑Associated Press, "North Carolina judge’s ruling retains close court election result, but more legal steps are expected," February 7, 2025
- ↑The New York Times, "Federal Ruling Says State Courts Should Decide North Carolina Election Case," February 4, 2025
- ↑The Raleigh News & Observer, "Federal appeals court to hear NC GOP challenge of 65,000 votes in Supreme Court election, January 27, 2025
- ↑Carolina Journal, "Trial court hearing scheduled Feb. 7 in NC Supreme Court dispute," January 27, 2025
- ↑Associated Press, "North Carolina Supreme Court passing for now on ruling if ballots in close race are valid," January 22, 2025
- ↑WRAL News, "In blow to GOP, NC Supreme Court won't fast-track lawsuit seeking to throw out 60,000 ballots," January 22, 2025
- ↑Associated Press, "More legal briefs sought in unresolved North Carolina Supreme Court election," January 10, 2025
- ↑Carolina Journal, "Griffin seeks NC Supreme Court stay, elections board appeals to 4th Circuit," January 7, 2025
- ↑Carolina Journal, "NC Supreme Court grants stay, blocks certification of election between Griffin, Riggs," January 7, 2024
- ↑Carolina Journal, "Federal judge sends Griffin’s NC Supreme Court election complaint back to state court," January 6, 2025
- ↑The Carolina Journal, "Elections board urges federal judge to keep NC Supreme Court dispute, rule against Griffin," January 1, 2025
- ↑Carolina Journal, "Judge orders NC elections board to explain why Griffin protest belongs in federal court," December 27, 2024
- ↑Restoration News Media, "Federal injunction sought in North Carolina Supreme Court election," December 26, 2024
- ↑Carolina Journal, "Federal judge denies temporary restraining order in NC Supreme Court ballot dispute," December 20, 2024
- ↑Associated Press, "A trailing North Carolina Supreme Court candidate asks the court to get involved in his race," December 18, 2024
- ↑WXII, "NC State Board of Elections will not order full recount in Supreme Court contest," December 11, 2024
- ↑The Charlotte News & Observer, "NC elections board rejects GOP challenge of 60,000 ballots in Supreme Court race," December 11, 2024
- ↑WRAL, "Riggs' lead grows after 2nd recount in NC Supreme Court race. Elections officials won't order a third," December 10, 2024
- ↑WRAL, "Republican calls for second recount in NC Supreme Court race," December 2, 2024
- ↑Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedTheCJournal - ↑44.044.1WRAL, "Amid Supreme Court recount, NC elections board approves plan for reviewing 60,000 contested ballots," November 20, 2024
- ↑Associated Press, "A recount will happen in the extremely close race for a North Carolina court seat," November 19, 2024
- ↑The Raleigh News & Observer, "NC Supreme Court race headed to recount with Allison Riggs leading Republican challenger," November 19, 2024
- ↑North Carolina State Legislature, "163-182.7,182.7A," accessed November 19, 2024
- ↑Center for Election Integrity Minnesota, "North Carolina," accessed October 16, 2020
- ↑North Carolina State Legislature, "163-182.7," accessed April 15, 2024
- ↑OpenSecrets.org, "Outside Spending," accessed December 12, 2021
- ↑OpenSecrets.org, "Total Outside Spending by Election Cycle, All Groups," accessed December 12, 2021
- ↑National Review.com, "Why the Media Hate Super PACs," December 12, 2021
- ↑Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' presidential results by congressional district for 2020, 2016, and 2012," accessed December 15, 2023
- ↑North Carolina General Assembly, "North Carolina Constitution - Article IV," accessed September 20, 2021(Section 19)
- ↑The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | School of Government, "History of North Carolina Judicial Elections," August 2020
- ↑North Carolina Judicial Branch, "Judicial Qualifications Summary," September 28, 2016
Federal courts:
Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court:Eastern District of North Carolina,Middle District of North Carolina,Western District of North Carolina • U.S. Bankruptcy Court:Eastern District of North Carolina,Middle District of North Carolina,Western District of North Carolina
State courts:
Supreme Court of North Carolina•North Carolina Court of Appeals•North Carolina Superior Courts•North Carolina District Courts
State resources:
Courts in North Carolina •North Carolina judicial elections •Judicial selection in North Carolina
