Federal Judge Orders Certification of North Carolina Supreme Court Justice's Win Amid GOP Controversy

In a significant ruling on May 6, 2025, a federal judge has ordered the North Carolina State Board of Elections to certify the election victory of Justice Allison Riggs, a Democrat, as the months-long Republican effort to overturn her election now hinges on a potentially contentious judicial appeal. Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II, appointed by Donald Trump, has put a temporary hold on his order for seven days, allowing Republican Judge Jefferson Griffin the opportunity to appeal. This intricate situation comes in the midst of a broader partisan battle that has seen the North Carolina landscape become a battleground over election integrity and voter rights. The state has recently witnessed a shift in the election board's composition, with three new Republican members being sworn in that week. Notably, the newly appointed members have significant ties to past efforts that questioned election legitimacy, raising concerns among fair election advocates about their commitment to uphold the court's directive. The ruling arrives at a pivotal moment when the state’s election board, now under Republican control, is expected to follow through with certifying the election results—that is, unless Judge Griffin's appeal prevails. This case casts a shadow over the integrity of election processes, especially given that these GOP appointments come at a time when refusal to certify elections has become alarmingly common. The implications of this scenario extend beyond North Carolina, as they reflect national trends of partisanship interfering with the democratic process. Civil rights advocates have underscored the importance of holding the board accountable, indicating they will pursue legal actions if members fail to comply with the court's order. Democratic Governor Josh Stein's conflicts over appointments further complicate the scene, as his authority has been diminished by legislation passed by a GOP-controlled legislature that has been challenged in court. As events unfold, the emphasis on ensuring that every legal vote counts has never been more pronounced, with mounting pressure on the electoral system to resist political manipulation. The ramifications of this case could resonate throughout the political arena as both parties stake their claims on the future of voting rights and election integrity in North Carolina and beyond.