Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs (D) was sworn in Tuesday after a six-month legal battle against Republican Judge Jefferson Griffin, who sought to overturn the results of the 2024 election.
“We won this election more than six months ago,” Riggs said, setting off loud applause from the audience. “But it was fewer than seven days ago that this race finally ended.”
Last week, a federal judge ordered the North Carolina State Board of Elections to certify Riggs’ victory. Rather than appealing the decision, Griffin conceded the race two days later.
Riggs was sworn in by North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls.
The lengthy legal effort to protect more than 68,000 contested votes cost nearly $2 million, Riggs said.
“While I am forever inspired by the commitment of North Carolinians to protect our rights,” Riggs said, “it doesn’t have to be this way. Voters should not have to fight tooth and nail to have their lawful votes counted.”