While the spotlight shines on the 2024 presidential election, a series of high-stakes state Supreme Court races are quietly brewing across the nation. These contests, often overlooked by the general public, will have profound implications for legal precedents on crucial issues like abortion, election integrity, gun rights, redistricting, and more.
A National Trend of State Supreme Court Elections
In 2024, a staggering 82 state Supreme Court seats are up for grabs in 33 states and Guam, according to Ballotpedia. While some of these races have already been decided and others feature unopposed candidates, many pivotal contests are unfolding in key battleground states like Arizona, Michigan, and North Carolina. These states, already experiencing high voter turnout for the presidential race, will see their residents also determine the makeup of their state’s highest courts.
The Rise of State Courts and Shifting Ideologies
The federal Supreme Court’s recent decisions have led to a surge in the importance of state courts, according to legal experts. As the federal courts become more conservative, state courts are increasingly tasked with interpreting and applying the law on critical matters. This shift is particularly pronounced in states like Michigan, where a recent shift in the ideological balance of the state Supreme Court has triggered a political battle for control of the court.
Michigan: A State at the Forefront of the Legal Shift
Michigan’s Supreme Court currently has a 4-3 Democratic majority, a recent development after a period of conservative dominance. This year, two key races are underway. In one, Republican state representative Andrew Fink is challenging Kimberly Thomas, a University of Michigan Law School professor, for an open seat. The other race features incumbent Justice Kyra Harris Bolden, appointed by Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, facing a challenge from Patrick O’Grady, a state circuit court judge. These races reflect the national trend of state courts becoming a focal point for the clash of political ideologies.
Arizona: Retention Elections and Out-of-State Influence
Arizona’s Supreme Court is dominated by Republican appointees, with two justices, Clint Bolick and Katheryn Hackett King, facing retention elections in November. These contests are attracting significant out-of-state funding, a sign of the national importance attached to these local races. Notably, these retention elections are turning into policy debates, with both sides attempting to influence the composition of the court and its future decisions.
North Carolina: A Tight Race for Control of the Court
In North Carolina, Republicans hold a 5-2 majority on the state Supreme Court, and they are aiming to expand their lead to 6-1. The crucial race pits incumbent Democratic Judge Allison Riggs against Republican challenger Jefferson Griffin, a state appeals court judge. This contest highlights the national trend of state Supreme Court races becoming increasingly partisan and mirroring larger national political divisions.
Nevada: Uncontested Races Despite High Turnout
While Nevada is a key battleground state for the presidential election, its state Supreme Court races are relatively calm. Three incumbent judges, Elissa Caddish, Patricia Lee, and Lidia Stiglich, are running unopposed, suggesting that the high voter turnout in the state is unlikely to significantly impact the composition of the state Supreme Court.
Georgia: A Recent Example of the Shift
Georgia, while not a battleground state in the presidential election, had its own state Supreme Court elections in May. This event illustrates that even states not directly involved in the presidential race can experience high voter turnout for state Supreme Court races, particularly when other high-profile races, such as competitive Senate contests, are taking place.
Montana and Ohio: High Voter Turnout and Competitive Races
Montana and Ohio are two states where high voter turnout, fueled by competitive Senate races, is expected to spill over to the state Supreme Court contests. In Montana, two nonpartisan races feature candidates with varying backgrounds and experiences. In Ohio, a competitive Senate race is expected to boost voter turnout, making the state Supreme Court races even more consequential.
Kentucky: A Crucial Vacancy and the Next Chief Justice
Kentucky’s Supreme Court is facing a vacancy as Chief Justice Laurance VanMeter retires. The race to fill this seat is nonpartisan but carries significant weight, as the next chief justice will be selected by the court’s members.
Texas and Florida: High-Profile Races in Major States
Two of the nation’s largest states, Texas and Florida, also have state Supreme Court races on the ballot. In Texas, three Republican justices are facing Democratic challengers. In Florida, two justices are facing retention elections, with their futures dependent on the state’s voters.
The Growing Importance of State Supreme Courts
The increasing focus on state Supreme Court races underscores their growing importance in shaping American law. As the federal courts become more conservative, these state courts are taking on a more prominent role in determining the future of critical legal issues. These contests are worth watching, as they will have a lasting impact on the lives of Americans for years to come.