Justice Allison Riggs is gearing up for a re-election campaign that could have significant implications not just for North Carolina, but also for the entire nation.
In a recent conversation, she highlighted the increasing importance of state Supreme Courts in light of recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions.
With issues like gerrymandering and reproductive rights at the forefront, Riggs emphasized why voters should pay close attention to the upcoming elections.
The stakes are undeniably high.
The U.S. Supreme Court has effectively stepped back from addressing partisan gerrymandering, leaving it to state courts to interpret their own constitutions.
This shift means that the responsibility for ensuring fair electoral maps now rests heavily on state justices.
As Riggs pointed out, this is not just a local issue; it’s a national concern that affects the integrity of democracy across the United States.
Moreover, the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 has sent shockwaves through the country.
With reproductive rights being returned to the states, North Carolina’s Supreme Court will play a pivotal role in determining what those rights look like.
Riggs noted that since the ruling, there has been a surge in legislative efforts aimed at restricting abortion access, making it crucial for voters to consider who they trust with their reproductive freedoms.
Riggs herself has a personal stake in these issues.
As the youngest woman to serve on the North Carolina Supreme Court and the only woman of childbearing age on any appellate court in the state, she feels a profound responsibility to advocate for women’s health care rights.
For her, the stakes are not just political; they are deeply personal, as she and her husband hope to start a family amidst a landscape where reproductive health care is increasingly under threat.
Another critical area Riggs is passionate about is redistricting and fair electoral maps.
Having spent years as a voting rights attorney, she understands the implications of gerrymandering firsthand.
Riggs argued a landmark case in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, which ultimately declined to enforce protections against partisan gerrymandering.
Her experience gives her unique insights into the ongoing battle for equitable representation in North Carolina.
With the upcoming 2024 elections looming, Riggs expressed concern about the recent conservative takeover of the state’s courts.
She emphasized the need to maintain her seat to ensure that North Carolinians can reclaim their rights before the next round of redistricting.
If her seat is lost, the opportunity to influence the future of fair maps could vanish, potentially leading to further entrenchment of partisan divides.
As for the current state of abortion rights in North Carolina, Riggs noted that there is no active case before her court at the moment.
However, the political climate is charged, with candidates vying to reshape abortion laws.
She underscored the vital question facing voters: who can be trusted to protect women’s reproductive rights in the face of growing opposition?
Riggs also addressed the recent controversial remarks made by Mark Robinson, the state’s lieutenant governor.
His comments, which many deemed hateful, have sparked outrage and prompted a wave of reactions from various political figures.
Riggs asserted that anyone unwilling to unequivocally denounce racism and discrimination lacks the character necessary to lead effectively.
In her campaign, Riggs is focused on raising awareness about the importance of judicial elections.
She believes that while national races often dominate headlines, local and state races significantly impact people’s lives.
Her message is clear: every vote matters, and every dollar donated to her campaign can help amplify the fight for reproductive freedom and civil rights.
Justice Riggs is determined to ensure that North Carolina remains a place where families can make choices about their health care without fear.
As she navigates the complexities of her re-election campaign, she hopes to engage North Carolinians in meaningful discussions about their rights and the future of their state.
As the election approaches, Riggs invites voters to consider the broader implications of their choices.
The future of reproductive rights, fair elections, and justice reform hangs in the balance.
In a rapidly changing political landscape, the role of state Supreme Courts has never been more critical, and Justice Riggs aims to be a steadfast guardian of those rights in North Carolina.
