The state Supreme Court seat winner will keep that position for eight years.  

Incumbent Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs, a Democrat who was appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper in September 2023 to fill the vacancy left by Justice Michael Morgan’s resignation, faces State Court of Appeals Judge Jefferson Griffin, a Republican.

Recently, the pair joined a panel at the downtown Raleigh Marriott Hotel hosted by the Federalist Society. This conservative and libertarian organization often attracts members who prefer literal or close-to-exact interpretations of the law.

“I hope to continue my service to you all and the state of North Carolina,” Riggs said at the start of the discussion.

Her counterpart opened with remarks, too.

“What we want for our state judiciary — we have different visions, and I think you will see that,” Griffin said.

In a recent forum, the candidates delved into how they may represent different parties but believe there is no room for politics in the courts.

Riggs has been a well-known name in North Carolina’s courts, arguing high-level voting rights cases before being appointed to the state appellate court. 

This is the first time Riggs is running for a seat on the state’s highest court. She talked about balancing campaigning to keep her seat while continuing to serve impartially on the court.

“The rhythms are very different. There's a lot of reading and writing with my service on the bench," she said. "I'm a people person, so I like getting out to meet North Carolinians all across the state to hear from them what their concerns are, specifically concerning our court system.”

Griffin fashions himself an originalist, or one who looks to the meaning of constitutional texts when they were adopted to guide decisions.

“I think we have a lot of different ideas and I think I have a great perspective to bring to the Supreme Court,” Griffin said.

Griffin is a captain and JAG officer, or military lawyer, in the National Guard and is in his first elected term on the state court of appeals. This comes after time as a prosecutor and as a trial court judge. 

“I've had a great level of experience here in North Carolina. North Carolinians want consistent conservative jurors. They follow the law. They don't legislate from the bench. That makes sure that we go in there and apply the law as it's written,” Griffin said. 

His strict views of the law feed his philosophy of no judicial activism. The 44-year-old said he takes the no-nonsense approach of a soldier by putting his state and country above personal beliefs.

“I’m a lifelong North Carolinian. So I'm able to relate to people. And I've become an ambassador for the justice system here in our state, which is a really special part of the campaign process for me, and that I'm able to advance civic education and people's trust in the judiciary,” he said.

In contrast, Riggs said she embraced a methodical approach crafted by multiple critical thinkers in place of an interpretation of laws that leaves little wiggle room for how those laws are read.

“Our courts need to call balls and strikes. I'm that umpire. I've protected people's constitutional rights for 15 years. And in my nearly two years on the bench, I think my cases show that I call balls and strikes.” Riggs said.

If elected, Riggs will keep her seat on the Supreme Court for another eight years. This would keep at least two Democratic justices on the state Supreme Court.

But if her Republican opponent wins, Griffin would tilt power more in favor of conservatives with a potential 6-1 majority that could have legal implications for nearly another decade.