John,

Republicans just got one step closer to overturning an election.

In a Friday ruling, two right-wing judges on the North Carolina Court of Appeals sided with the losing GOP candidate in November’s state supreme court race. They sided with the failed candidate trying to toss out over 65,000 legally cast ballots in an attempt to flip the outcome of the election.

It’s hard to imagine a more flagrant attack on the sanctity of our elections.

This team helped re-elect Democratic Justice Allison Riggs in 2024’s North Carolina Supreme Court race, and now we’re continuing the fight to protect free and fair elections from the MAGA GOP. Rush a donation of $30 or more right now to help power this democracy-saving work.

Let’s be clear about how we got here.

Justice Riggs — one of the Democracy Defenders we were proud to endorse in 2024 — won re-election last November fair and square. Her victory was confirmed by a recount. Then it was confirmed by another recount.

But the failed challenger in that election, Jefferson Griffin, has refused to concede and has instead challenged over 65,000 legitimate ballots.

That’s why Justice Riggs’ victory still has not been certified.

And while she will continue fighting in the courts to uphold the will of the people, Friday’s ruling puts North Carolina Republicans one step closer to stealing a seat on the state supreme court.

Make no mistake: if Republicans succeed in overturning an election in North Carolina, they will export this blueprint to try to toss out legal votes everywhere they can get away with it.

And let’s remember another big piece of the long game here: If Republicans steal this state supreme court seat, they’ll be in a stronger position to have a conservative majority on the court during the next round of post-census redistricting.

That majority could sign off on gerrymandered maps that give the GOP unearned power in the state legislature as well as Congress.

And it wouldn’t be the first time. In 2023, a new right-wing majority on the North Carolina Supreme Court overturned its extremely recent precedent to greenlight a Republican map that helped flip three seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. If it weren’t for those three seats, Democrats could have won the House last November. And if Democrats had the majority right now, they could slam the brakes on Donald Trump’s agenda.

From stealing House seats through gerrymandering, to potentially stealing a state supreme court seat by overturning an election, the MAGA GOP will continue their efforts to seize power at all costs.

But we are fighting back: to defeat candidates who try to obstruct the will of the people, to elect Democracy Defenders like Justice Allison Riggs, to protect fair representation by ensuring a fair count in the census, to enact our 10 Year Plan for fair maps, and more.

If you’re outraged by the North Carolina GOP’s attempt to silence voters and reverse the outcome of an election they lost, then please pitch in a donation of $30 or more right now to help push back on the far right’s anti-democracy agenda.

More soon,

Team NDRC

DONATE

Since 2017, the NDRC has executed a comprehensive redistricting strategy that shifts the redistricting power, creating fair districts where Democrats can compete. Our victories have been made possible by our strong community of grassroots supporters.

MAKE A DONATION

If you want to receive periodic updates from the NDRC on our fight for fair maps, text MAPS to 36787. Text HELP for help, STOP to end. Msg & Data rates may apply. Privacy Policy. We know we send a lot of emails, but we think it's important to keep you updated with the latest information on Republican gerrymandering and voter suppression and how we're fighting back -- regardless of whether you choose to donate. Click here to make a donation. Every dollar you give will go toward our fight to end gerrymandering and voter suppression.