Justice (Riggs) Prevails

After a prolonged legal battle spanning more than six months, Justice Allison Riggs has been officially sworn in for a full eight-year term on the North Carolina Supreme Court. Her narrow victory in the 2024 election, by just 734 votes out of over 5.5 million cast, was the closest statewide race in North Carolina history and the final unresolved contest from the 2024 general election.

Riggs, initially appointed to the court in 2023 by Governor Roy Cooper, faced Republican challenger Jefferson Griffin in the November election. Despite two recounts confirming her win, Griffin contested the results, seeking to invalidate over 65,000 ballots, including those from military and overseas voters. These challenges led to multiple court rulings and delays in certifying the election.

On May 5, 2025, U.S. District Judge Richard Myers ordered the certification of Riggs' victory, stating that discarding ballots from military and overseas voters without due process violated constitutional rights. Griffin conceded two days later, and Riggs was sworn in on May 13, 2025, by Justice Anita Earls in a ceremony at the North Carolina State Capitol.

In her remarks, Justice Riggs emphasized the importance of protecting every vote and criticized the prolonged dispute as undermining democracy. Her swearing-in marks not only the conclusion of a contentious election but also a reaffirmation of the integrity of the electoral process in North Carolina.