Story perspectives

North Carolina Supreme Court Race Set for 2026 Showdown

12/8/2025

Center

Earls vs. Stevens

North Carolina's Supreme Court race between Democratic Justice Anita Earls and Republican Rep. Sarah Stevens heats up for 2026.
Political scientist Chris Cooper warns the race will be contentious and focused on party trustworthiness rather than issues.
The outcome is unlikely to change the court's Republican majority but could influence future elections.
The Court will hear cases that could expand presidential powers over independent agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission.

Left

Supreme Court Upholds Gerrymandering

The U.S. Supreme Court allowed Texas to implement congressional maps favoring Republicans for the 2026 elections, overturning a lower court ruling that the maps were likely unconstitutional due to racial gerrymandering.
The decision aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for redistricting.
Critics say the ruling imposes heavy burdens on plaintiffs challenging gerrymandering.
The Court’s stance signals acceptance of partisan gerrymandering, raising election integrity concerns.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. Supreme Court's 2019 ruling in Rucho v. Common Cause declared partisan gerrymandering claims non-justiciable, impacting states' ability to favor political parties in district drawing. This decision followed significant cases in Florida and Pennsylvania, where courts invalidated gerrymandered maps. The ongoing North Carolina Supreme Court race highlights persistent concerns over electoral integrity and the influence of partisan interests in redistricting.

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Earls vs. Stevens

North Carolina's Supreme Court race between Democratic Justice Anita Earls and Republican Rep. Sarah Stevens heats up for 2026.
Political scientist Chris Cooper warns the race will be contentious and focused on party trustworthiness rather than issues.
The outcome is unlikely to change the court's Republican majority but could influence future elections.
The Court will hear cases that could expand presidential powers over independent agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission.

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