Disorder in the court

Former NC Supreme Court Justice Mike Morgan says Gov. Roy Cooper went against his recommendation for Judge Lora Cubbage to replace him. Cubbage is now looking to unseat Justice Allison Riggs.

North Carolina Superior Court Judge Lora Cubbage (left) is looking to unseat Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs (right). The race has become one of the most contentious Democratic primaries in the state. Riggs photo courtesy of campaign.

Barring unforeseen departures, conservatives will control the state Supreme Court through at least 2028.

Democrats are now hoping to reverse their recent track record of statewide judicial losses.

But to have any chance of retaking the bench in 2029, Democrats will first need to hold onto at least one seat in 2024 or 2026, when Justices Allison Riggs and Anita Earls are on the ballot.

While Republicans have rallied around Court of Appeals Judge Jefferson Griffin, Democratic voters will have a choice over their nominee.