Justice Allison Riggs Set to Be Sworn in as North Carolina Supreme Court Chief After Prolonged Election Battle

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCAN)—After an intense six-month legal struggle that reverberated through the national political scene, the Democratic candidate, who was seeking reelection, Allison Riggs is set to be sworn into the North Carolina Supreme Court on Tuesday morning.

This signifies the definitive conclusion of an extended disagreement with the Republican opponent. Jefferson Griffin repeatedly called for reviews and for thousands of ballots, including those of overseas military members, to be thrown out.

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A federal judge decided last week that the N.C. State Board of Elections must certify the results of last November’s election, which declared Riggs as the winner for a seat on the state Supreme Court. The results showed that Riggs won by 734 votes from over 5.5 million ballots cast.

U.S. District Judge Richard Myers ruled in support of Riggs, stating that discarding the absentee votes would infringe upon the voters' rights.

Two days later, Griffin finally conceded in the race, setting the stage for Riggs to be elected to an eight-year term as an associate justice.

“I may not entirely concur with the District Court’s reasoning, but I respect their ruling—just as I have respected each judicial body that has examined this matter,” Griffin stated. “I have decided against appealing the court’s judgment.”

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Riggs responded to the information with this declaration:

“After millions of dollars spent, more than 68,000 voters at risk of losing their votes, thousands of volunteers mobilized, hundreds of legal documents filed, and immeasurable damage done to our democracy, I’m glad the will of the voters was finally heard, six months and two days after Election Day. It’s been my honor to lead this fight – even though it should never have happened – and I’m in awe of the North Carolinians whose courage reminds us all that we can use our voices to hold accountable any politician who seeks to take power out of the hands of the people.”

Riggs, appointed last year by Gov. Roy Cooper to replace former Justice Mike Morgan, is one of two Democrats on the seven-member state Supreme Court. Despite his loss, Griffin will remain as a state Court of Appeals judge, as his term doesn’t end until 2028.

“I wish my opponent the best and will continue to pray for her and all the members of our court system here in North Carolina. I look forward to continuing to serve the people of North Carolina,” Griffin said.

The North Carolina Supreme Court election was the last race nationally in the 2024 general election that had been undecided.

Riggs will take her oath during a ceremony inside the Capitol building in Raleigh starting at 10 a.m.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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