For those no privy to what North Carolina GA Republicans did - they passed a bill eliminating judicial primaries, so that all candidates would just run on the same ballot. They said this was to give them time to redraw the judicial districts, and while this was partly true, obviously it means they wanted time to gerrymander the districts. Further, by eliminating the primaries, this would mean backed up lines at polling places and with such a long list of candidates, the incumbent and more well-known judges would gain an advantage. This means Republicans gain an advantage.
There are 2 state Supreme Court seats up this year, and both I believe are held by conservatives. Knowing NC, even a wave environment doesn't guarantee anything, but Democrats should have a decent shot at picking up at least one seat.
https://ballotpedia.org/North_Carolina_Supreme_Court_elections,_2018
Democracy still holds in NC... for now.
