Republican candidate faces legal challenges in North Carolina Supreme Court race

A federal judge has denied a request from Republican candidate Jefferson Griffin to stop the North Carolina State Board of Elections from declaring Democratic Justice Allison Riggs the winner of their Supreme Court race. Griffin trails Riggs by 734 votes. The state board also dismissed election protests from Griffin and other GOP candidates, stating the number of challenged ballots was smaller than the leads held by the Democrats. Griffin's claims involve over 60,000 votes he argues should be disqualified. Griffin can appeal the rulings, while legislative candidates may seek resolution from the General Assembly. The board indicated it would not certify the election results before January 3.