State Courts Hub - Alliance for Justice

State Courts Hub

State Courts are the workhorses of our judicial system. Ninety-five percent of cases in the United States are filed in state courts. That’s more than 100 million cases every year. And, because of that, state courts across the country have an outsized impact on our rights.

When most people think about the courts, it conjures up images of state trial courts. These are the courts that are shown most on TV and in movies; they are the courts where trials happen. But it’s the state supreme courts are often the final arbitrators of our civil rights, and these courts deliver decisions every day that impact our daily lives, from the air we breathe and the power of our votes to our rights as workers and our children’s safety in schools. In fact, state constitutions often grant us more rights and protections than the federal Constitution. It’s more important than ever to know how the judges who serve on our states’ highest courts are selected.

State court selection processes

High court selection processes can vary drastically from state to state – check out the chart below, using the down arrow on the right side to explore more about a state! And despite the vastly different selection methods, people in every state can influence who is chosen for those courts. Use the chart below to learn more about the state supreme courts and how to maximize your impact on those courts. And make sure you talk to your friends and family about your state court! Your communities should know they have power to stand up for their rights. Click on the states in the map below to learn more.

Alabama


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
90900

Selection Method

Partisan election

Next Term Ends

2024

Alaska


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
50410

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations

Next Term Ends

2024

Arizona


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
70700

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations

Next Term Ends

2024

Arkansas


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
71600

Selection Method

Non-partisan election

Next Term Ends

2024

California


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
76100

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment + confirmation by commission on judicial appointments

Next Term Ends

2030

Colorado


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
75200

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations

Next Term Ends

2024

Connecticut


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
77000

Selection Method

Gubernatorial nomination from commission recommendations + legislative appointment

Next Term Ends

2025

Delaware


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
55000

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate consent

Next Term Ends

2026

Florida


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
70700

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations

Next Term Ends

2024

Georgia


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
90900

Selection Method

Non-partisan election

Next Term Ends

2024

Hawaii


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
54100

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate confirmation

Next Term Ends

2025

Idaho


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
50500

Selection Method

Non-partisan election

Next Term Ends

2024

Illinois


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
75200

Selection Method

Partisan election (uses Judicial Districts)

Next Term Ends

2024

Indiana


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
50500

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations

Next Term Ends

2024

Iowa


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
70700

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations

Next Term Ends

2024

Kansas


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
75200

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations

Next Term Ends

2026

Kentucky


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
72500

Selection Method

Non-partisan election

Next Term Ends

2024

Louisiana


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
72500

Selection Method

Partisan election (uses Judicial Districts)

Next Term Ends

2024

Maine


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
76000

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment + senate confirmation

Next Term Ends

2024

Maryland


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
72500

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate confirmation

Next Term Ends

2024

Massachusetts


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
71510

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment + approval from governor's council

Next Term Ends

2029

Michigan


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
74300

Selection Method

Partisan nomination; Non-partisan election

Next Term Ends

2024

Minnesota


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
77000

Selection Method

Non-partisan election

Next Term Ends

2024

Mississippi


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
92700

Selection Method

Non-partisan election (uses Judicial Districts)

Next Term Ends

2024

Missouri


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
72500

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations

Next Term Ends

2024

Montana


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
75200

Selection Method

Non-partisan election

Next Term Ends

2024

Nebraska


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
71600

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations

Next Term Ends

2024

Nevada


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
74300

Selection Method

Non-partisan election

Next Term Ends

2024

New Hampshire


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
50500

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + appointment from Executive Council

Next Term Ends

2026

New Jersey


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
74300

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment + senate confirmation

Next Term Ends

2027

New Mexico


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
55000

Selection Method

Partisan election

Next Term Ends

2026

New York


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
76100

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate confirmation

Next Term Ends

2027

North Carolina


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
72500

Selection Method

Partisan election

Next Term Ends

2024

North Dakota


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
50500

Selection Method

Non-partisan election

Next Term Ends

2024

Ohio


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
73400

Selection Method

Partisan election

Next Term Ends

2024

Oklahoma


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
93600

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations

Next Term Ends

2024

Oregon


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
77000

Selection Method

Non-partisan election

Next Term Ends

2024

Pennsylvania


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
75200

Selection Method

Partisan election

Next Term Ends

2025

Rhode Island


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
52300

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + House and Senate approval

Next Term Ends

N/A

South Carolina


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
51400

Selection Method

Legislative election

Next Term Ends

2024

South Dakota


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
50500

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations

Next Term Ends

2024

Tennessee


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
50500

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment + House and Senate confirmation

Next Term Ends

2024

Texas


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
90900

Selection Method

Partisan election

Next Term Ends

2024

Utah


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
50500

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate confirmation

Next Term Ends

2024

Virginia


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
72500

Selection Method

Legislative election

Next Term Ends

2027

Vermont


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
51400

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate confirmation

Next Term Ends

2029

Washington


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
99000

Selection Method

Non-partisan election

Next Term Ends

2024

West Virginia


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
51400

Selection Method

Non-partisan election

Next Term Ends

2024

Wisconsin


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
74300

Selection Method

Non-partisan election

Next Term Ends

2025

Wyoming


Total JusticesDemRepIndNop
50500

Selection Method

Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations

Next Term Ends

2024

Map of United States with Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania marked.

States to Keep an Eye On

The states below have an upcoming end of term on the court or are set to consider issues of national importance. This could mean a justice is retiring and voters will elect their replacement, there may be an open election for state supreme court, upcoming vacancies could impact the court’s majority, or that the court’s docket includes critical issues such as redistricting and voting rights. You’ll find an in-depth profile on the state including information on each justice, significant decisions by the Court, and what you need to know to shape your state supreme court.

State Number of Justices Dem Rep Ind Non Selection Method End of Term
Alabama 9 0 9 0 0 Partisan election 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Greg Shaw R 2026 2032
Greg Cook R 2028 ~2032
Tom Parker R N/A 2024
Alisa Kelli Wise R 2028 2034
Tommy Bryan R 2024 2030
Sarah Stewart R 2024 2036
William Sellers R 2024 2036
Jay Mitchell R 2024 2048
Brad Mendheim R 2026 2038
  • Term Length 6
  • Selection Method Partisan election
  • Retention Method Partisan election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment + general election after 1 year in office
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
Alaska 5 0 4 1 0 Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Jennifer Stuart Henderson R 2024 ~2045
Susan Carney I 2030 ~2032
Peter Maassen R N/A 2025
Dario Borghesan R 2024 2049
Jude Pate R
  • Term Length 10
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations
  • Retention Method Retention election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from Commission + first general election after 3 years in office
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
Arizona 7 0 7 0 0 Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Kathryn Hackett King R 2024 ~2050
Robert Brutinel R 2026 2028
Ann Scott Timmer R 2028 2030
Clint Bolick R 2024 2027
John Lopez IV R 2026 ~2038
Bill Montgomery R 2028 2037
James Beene R 2028 2035
  • Term Length 6
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations
  • Retention Method Retention election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from Commission + first general election after 2 years in office
  • Governor Party D
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
Arkansas 7 1 6 0 0 Non-partisan election 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
John Dan Kemp R N/A 2024
Cody Hiland R N/A 2024
Courtney Hudson R 2026 2050
Barbara Womack Webb R 2030 2032
Shawn Womack R 2024 2048
Karen Baker D 2030 2038
Rhonda Wood R 2030 2046
  • Term Length 8
  • Selection Method Non-partisan election
  • Retention Method Re-election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
California 7 6 1 0 0 Gubernatorial appointment + confirmation by commission on judicial appointments 2030
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Goodwin Liu D 2034 N/A
Patricia Guerrero D 2034 N/A
Carol Coorigan R 2030 N/A
Leondra Kruger D 2030 N/A
Martin Jenkins D 2034 N/A
Joshua Groban D 2034 N/A
Kelli Evans D 2026 N/A
  • Term Length 12
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment + confirmation by commission on judicial appointments
  • Retention Method Retention election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment + confirmation by Commission on judicial appointments
  • Governor Party D
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House D
  • State Senate D
Colorado 7 5 2 0 0 Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Brian Boatright R 2024 2034
Monica Marquez D 2024 2041
Melissa Hart D 2030 ~2041
Maria Berkenkotter D 2024 ~2034
Richard Gabriel D 2028 2034
William Hood D 2026 2035
Carlos Armando Samour Jr. R 2030 ~2038
  • Term Length 10
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations
  • Retention Method Retention election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + retention election in the next general election after 2 years on the bench
  • Governor Party D
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House D
  • State Senate D
Connecticut 7 7 0 0 0 Gubernatorial nomination from commission recommendations + legislative appointment 2025
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Richard Robinson D N/A 2027
Andrew McDonald D 2029 2036
Gregory D'Auria D 2025 2033
Raheem Mullins D 2025 2048
Joan K. Alexander D 2030 2031
Steven Ecker D 2026 2031
Nora Dannehy D N/A ~2031
  • Term Length 8
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial nomination from commission recommendations + legislative appointment
  • Retention Method Governor renominates + legislature reappoints
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial nomination from commission recommendations + legislative appointment
  • Governor Party D
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House D
  • State Senate D
Delaware 5 5 0 0 0 Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate consent 2026
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Collins Seitz Jr. D 2031 N/A
Karen Valihura D 2026 N/A
Abigail LeGrow D 2035 N/A
Gary Traynor D 2029 N/A
N. Christopher Griffiths D 2035 N/A
  • Term Length 12
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate consent
  • Retention Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate consent
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate consent
  • Governor Party D
  • Gubernatorial Race 2024
  • State House D
  • State Senate D
Florida 7 0 7 0 0 Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Renatha Francis R 2024 2036
Charles Canady R 2028 2029
Meredith Sasso R 2024 TBD
Jorge Labarga R N/A 2027
Jamie Grosshans R 2028 ~2053
John Couriel R 2028 2053
Carlos Muñiz R 2026 2044
  • Term Length 6
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations
  • Retention Method Retention election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + retention election in the next general election 1 year after appointment
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
Georgia 9 0 9 0 0 Non-partisan election 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Carla Wong McMillian R 2028 N/A
Shawn Ellen LaGrua R 2028 N/A
Michael Boggs R 2024 N/A
Andrew Pinson R 2024 N/A
Verda Colvin R 2028 N/A
Nels S.D. Peterson R 2024 N/A
Charlie Bethel R 2026 N/A
John Ellington R 2024 N/A
Sarah Warren R 2026 N/A
  • Term Length 6
  • Selection Method Non-partisan election
  • Retention Method Re-election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + retention election in the next general election at least 6 months after appointment
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
Hawaii 5 4 1 0 0 Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate confirmation 2025
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Mark Recktenwald R N/A 2025
Sabrina McKenna D N/A 2027
Todd Eddins D 2030 ~2034
Lisa Ginoza D 2034 2034
Vladimir Devens D 2034 TBD
  • Term Length 10
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate confirmation
  • Retention Method Nominating commission retains
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate confirmation
  • Governor Party D
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House D
  • State Senate D
Idaho 5 0 5 0 0 Non-partisan election 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Colleen Zahn R 2028 N/A
Gregory Moeller R 2026 N/A
Cynthia Meyer R 2026 N/A
G. Richard Bevan R 2024 N/A
Robyn Brody R 2028 N/A
  • Term Length 6
  • Selection Method Non-partisan election
  • Retention Method Re-election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + hold office for remainder of unexpired term
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
Illinois 7 5 2 0 0 Partisan election (uses Judicial Districts) 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Mary Jane Theis D 2032 N/A
Joy Cunningham D 2024 N/A
P. Scott Neville D 2030 N/A
Mary Kay O'Brien D 2032 N/A
Elizabeth Rochford D 2032 N/A
David Overstreet R 2030 N/A
Lisa Holder White R 2024 N/A
  • Term Length 10
  • Selection Method Partisan election (uses Judicial Districts)
  • Retention Method Retention election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Supreme Court appointment + retention election in the next general election at least 60 days after appointment
  • Governor Party D
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House D
  • State Senate D
Indiana 5 0 5 0 0 Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Loretta Rush R 2024 2033
Mark Massa R 2024 2036
Derek Molter R 2024 2057
Geoffrey Slaughter R 2028 2037
Christopher Goff R 2030 2047
  • Term Length 10
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations
  • Retention Method Retention election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + retention election in the next general election after 2 years on the bench
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2024
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
Iowa 7 0 7 0 0 Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
David May R 2024 2043
Matthew McDermott R 2028 2049
Dana Oxley R 2028 2039
Thomas Waterman R 2028 2031
Edward Mansfield R 2028 2029
Susan Christensen R 2028 2034
Christopher McDonald R 2028 2046
  • Term Length 8
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations
  • Retention Method Retention election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + retention election in the next general election 1 year after appointment
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
Kansas 7 5 2 0 0 Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations 2026
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Eric Rosen D 2026 2032
Evelyn Wilson D 2028 2034
Caleb Stegall R 2028 2046
Daniel Biles D N/A 2028
Melissa Taylor Standridge D 2028 2040
Marla Luckert R 2028 2034
Kenyen Wall D 2028 ~2046
  • Term Length 6
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations
  • Retention Method Retention election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + retention election in the next general election 1 year after appointment
  • Governor Party D
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
Kentucky 7 2 5 0 0 Non-partisan election 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Christopher Shea Nickell D 2030 N/A
Kelly Thompson R 2030 N/A
Debra Hembree Lambert R 2026 N/A
Angela McCormick Bisig R 2030 N/A
Laurance VanMeter R 2024 N/A
Michelle Keller D 2030 N/A
Robert Conley R 2028 N/A
  • Term Length 8
  • Selection Method Non-partisan election
  • Retention Method Re-election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations
  • Governor Party D
  • Gubernatorial Race 2027
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
Louisiana 7 2 5 0 0 Partisan election (uses Judicial Districts) 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
James Genovese R N/A 2026
Scott Crichton R N/A 2024
Jay McCallum R 2026 2036
Jefferson Hughes R N/A 2028
John Weimer D N/A 2032
Piper Griffin D 2030 2040
William Crain R 2028 2038
  • Term Length 10
  • Selection Method Partisan election (uses Judicial Districts)
  • Retention Method Re-election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Special election
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2027
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
Maine 7 6 0 0 0 Gubernatorial appointment + senate confirmation 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Andrew Mead D 2028 N/A
Rick Lawrence D 2029 N/A
VACANCY
Wayne Douglas D N/A 2030
Andrew Horton D 2027 N/A
Catherine Connors D 2027 N/A
Valerie Stanfill D 2028 N/A
  • Term Length 7
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment + senate confirmation
  • Retention Method Gubernatorial reappointment + senate confirmation
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment + senate confirmation
  • Governor Party D
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House D
  • State Senate D
Maryland 7 2 5 0 0 Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate confirmation 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Brynja McDivitt Booth R 2030 2042
Angela Eaves R 2024 2029
Matthew Fader R 2024 2043
Jonathan Biran R 2030 ~2036
Peter Killough D 2026 2030
Shirley Marie Watts D 2024 2029
Steven Gould R 2032 2036
  • Term Length 10
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate confirmation
  • Retention Method Retention election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate confirmation
  • Governor Party D
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House D
  • State Senate D
Massachusetts 7 1 5 1 0 Gubernatorial appointment + approval from governor's council 2029
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Kimberly Budd I N/A 2036
Frank Gaziano R N/A 2033
David Lowy R N/A 2030
Elizabeth Dewar D N/A 2050
Scott Kafker R N/A 2029
Serge Georges Jr. R N/A 2041
Dalila Argaez Wendlandt R N/A ~2038
  • Term Length Until age 70
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment + approval from governor's council
  • Retention Method N/A
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment + approval from governor's council
  • Governor Party D
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House D
  • State Senate D
Michigan 7 4 3 0 0 Partisan nomination; Non-partisan election 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
David Viviano R 2024 2024
Richard Bernstein D 2030 2046
Kyra Harris Bolden D 2024 2058
Elizabeth Clement R 2026 2050
Brian Zahra R N/A 2030
Elizabeth Welch D 2028 2044
Megan Cavanagh D 2026 2042
  • Term Length 8
  • Selection Method Partisan nomination; Non-partisan election
  • Retention Method Re-election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment + serve until the remainder of the unexpired term
  • Governor Party D
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House D
  • State Senate D
Minnesota 7 7 0 0 0 Non-partisan election 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Gordon Moore D 2028 2033
Margaret Chutich (Incoming replacement: Theodora Gaïtas) D N/A 2024
Sarah Hennesy D 2026 2039
Anne McKeig D 2024 2037
Natalie Hudson D N/A 2027
Karl Procaccini D 2024 ~2053
Paul Thissen D 2026 2036
  • Term Length 6
  • Selection Method Non-partisan election
  • Retention Method Re-election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment + retention election in the next general election at least 1 year after appointment
  • Governor Party D
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House D
  • State Senate D
Mississippi 9 2 7 0 0 Non-partisan election (uses Judicial Districts) 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Robert Chamberlin R 2024 N/A
T. Kenneth Griffis R 2030 N/A
Leslie King D 2028 N/A
Jim Kitchens D 2024 N/A
David Ishee R 2028 N/A
Dawn Beam R 2024 N/A
Mike Randolph R 2028 N/A
Jimmy Maxwell R 2024 N/A
Josiah Coleman R 2028 N/A
  • Term Length 8
  • Selection Method Non-partisan election (uses Judicial Districts)
  • Retention Method Re-election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2023
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
Missouri 7 2 5 0 0 Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Zel Fischer R N/A 2033
Robin Ransom R 2034 2037
Paul Wilson D 2026 2031
Ginger Gooch R 2024 2047
Mary Rhodes Russell D N/A 2028
Kelly Broniec R 2024 2041
Wesley Brent Powell R 2030 2040
  • Term Length 12
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations
  • Retention Method Retention election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + retention election in the next general election 1 year after appointment
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2024
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
Montana 7 5 2 0 0 Non-partisan election 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
James Rice R 2030 N/A
Dirk Sandefur D 2024 N/A
Beth Baker D 2026 N/A
Jim Shea D 2028 N/A
Laurie McKinnon R 2028 N/A
Ingrid Gustafson D 2030 N/A
Mike McGrath D 2024 N/A
  • Term Length 8
  • Selection Method Non-partisan election
  • Retention Method Re-election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment + senate confirmation
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2024
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
Nebraska 7 1 6 0 0 Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Michael Heavican R 2028 N/A
Stephanie Stacy R 2024 N/A
Lindsey Miller-Lerman D 2026 N/A
William Cassel R 2028 N/A
Jonathan Papik R 2028 N/A
Jeffrey Funke R 2026 N/A
John Fruedenberg R 2028 N/A
  • Term Length 6
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations
  • Retention Method Retention election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + retention election in the next general election 3 years after appointment
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House N/A - does not have a lower chamber
  • State Senate R
Nevada 7 4 3 0 0 Non-partisan election 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Kris Pickering R 2026 N/A
Douglas Herndon R 2026 N/A
Linda Bell D 2028 N/A
Ron Parraguirre R 2028 N/A
Lidia Stiglich D 2024 N/A
Elissa Cadish D 2024 N/A
Patricia Lee D 2024 N/A
  • Term Length 6
  • Selection Method Non-partisan election
  • Retention Method Re-election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + re-election in the next general election
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House D
  • State Senate D
New Hampshire 5 0 5 0 0 Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + appointment from Executive Council 2026
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Melissa Beth Countway R N/A 2041
James Bassett R N/A 2026
Gordon MacDonald R N/A 2031
Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi R N/A 2026
Patrick E. Donovan R N/A 2034
  • Term Length Until age 70
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + appointment from Executive Council
  • Retention Method N/A
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + appointment from Executive Council (Note: Council is publicly elected every 2 years)
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
New Jersey 7 4 3 0 0 Gubernatorial appointment + senate confirmation 2027
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Stuart Rabner D Tenured 2030
Rachel Wainer Apter D 2029 2050
Douglas Fasciale R 2029 2030
Anne Patterson R Tenured 2029
Michael Noriega D 2030 2048
Lee Solomon R Tenured 2024
Fabiana Pierre-Louis D 2027 2050
  • Term Length 7
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment + senate confirmation
  • Retention Method Gubernatorial reappointment + senate confirmation
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment + senate confirmation
  • Governor Party D
  • Gubernatorial Race 2025
  • State House D
  • State Senate D
New Mexico 5 5 0 0 0 Partisan election 2026
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Briana Zamora D 2024 N/A
Michael Vigil D 2030 N/A
Shannon Bacon D 2026 N/A
David Thomson D 2026 N/A
Julie Vargas D 2030 N/A
  • Term Length 8
  • Selection Method Partisan election
  • Retention Method Retention election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + retention election in the next general election
  • Governor Party D
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House D
  • State Senate D
New York 7 6 1 0 0 Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate confirmation 2027
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Caitlin Haligan D
Jenny Rivera D 2027 2030
Madeline Singas D 2035 2036
Shirley Troutman D N/A ~2030
Michael Garcia R 2030 2031
Rowan Wilson D N/A 2030
Anthony Cannataro D N/A 2035
  • Term Length 14
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate confirmation
  • Retention Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate confirmation
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate confirmation
  • Governor Party D
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House D
  • State Senate D
North Carolina 7 2 5 0 0 Partisan election 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Paul Newby R N/A 2027
Richard Dietz R 2030 2049
Trey Allen R 2030 2046
Allison Riggs D 2024 2053
Anita Earls D 2026 2032
Phil Berger Jr. R 2028 2044
Tamara Barringer R 2028 ~2031
  • Term Length 8
  • Selection Method Partisan election
  • Retention Method Re-election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment + re-election next general election more than 60 days after vacancy
  • Governor Party D
  • Gubernatorial Race 2024
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
North Dakota 5 0 5 0 0 Non-partisan election 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Jon Jay Jensen R 2030 N/A
Daniel Crothers R 2032 N/A
Jerod Tufte R 2026 N/A
Lisa Fair McEvers R 2028 N/A
Douglas Bahr R 2026 N/A
  • Term Length 10
  • Selection Method Non-partisan election
  • Retention Method Re-election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + re-election in the next general election after 2 years
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
Ohio 7 3 4 0 0 Partisan election 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Jennifer Brunner D 2026 2032
Sharon Kennedy R 2026 2032
Pat DeWine R 2028 2040
Pat Fischer R N/A 2028
Michael Donnelly D 2024 2036
Melody Stewart D 2024 2036
Joe Deters R 2024 2027
  • Term Length 6
  • Selection Method Partisan election
  • Retention Method Re-election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment + election in the next general election held more than 40 days after vacancy
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
Oklahoma 9 3 6 0 0 Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Dustin Row R 2028 N/A
James Winchester R 2028 N/A
James Edmondson D 2024 N/A
Yvonne Kauger D 2024 N/A
Noma Gurich R 2024 N/A
Douglas Combs D 2028 N/A
Richard Darby R 2026 N/A
M. John Kane, IV R 2026 N/A
Dana Kuehn R 2028 N/A
  • Term Length 6
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations
  • Retention Method Retention election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + retention election in the next general election
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
Oregon 7 7 0 0 0 Non-partisan election 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Bronson James D 2024 ~2048
Stephen K. Bushong D 2024 TBD
Meagan Flynn D 2024 2042
Aruna Masih D 2024 2046
Roger DeHoog D 2028 ~2040
Rebecca Duncan D 2024 2046
Chris Garrett D 2026 2048
  • Term Length 6
  • Selection Method Non-partisan election
  • Retention Method Re-election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment + re-election next general election more than 60 days after vacancy
  • Governor Party D
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House D
  • State Senate D
Pennsylvania 7 5 2 0 0 Partisan election 2025
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Dan McCaffery D 2033 2039
Christine Donohue D 2025 2027
David Wecht D 2025 2037
Kevin Dougherty D 2025 2037
Debra Todd D 2027 2032
Sallie Mundy R 2027 2037
Kevin Brobson R 2031 2045
  • Term Length 10
  • Selection Method Partisan election
  • Retention Method Retention election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment + 2/3 Senate approval + retention election in the next municipal election 10 months after appointment
  • Governor Party D
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House D
  • State Senate R
Rhode Island 5 2 3 0 0 Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + House and Senate approval N/A
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Paul Suttell R Tenured N/A
Maureen McKenna Goldberg R Tenured N/A
Erin Lynch Prata D Tenured N/A
William Robinson III R Tenured N/A
Melissa A. Long D Tenured N/A
  • Term Length Life
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + House and Senate approval
  • Retention Method N/A
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + House and Senate approval
  • Governor Party D
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House D
  • State Senate D
South Carolina 5 1 4 0 0 Legislative election 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Donald Beatty D N/A 2024
John Kittredge R N/A 2028
D. Garrison Hill R 2033 2036
John Cannon Few R 2026 2035
George James Jr. R 2030 2032
  • Term Length 10
  • Selection Method Legislative election
  • Retention Method Legislative re-election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Legislative election
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
South Dakota 5 0 5 0 0 Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Janine Kern R 2026 2033
Steven Jensen R 2028 2035
Mark Salter R 2028 2039
Patricia DeVaney R 2028 2039
Scott Myren R 2024 2035
  • Term Length 8
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations
  • Retention Method Retention election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + retention election in the next general election 3 years after appointment
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
Tennessee 5 0 5 0 0 Gubernatorial appointment + House and Senate confirmation 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Sarah Campbell R 2030 N/A
Dwight Tartwater R 2024 N/A
Jeff Bivins R 2030 N/A
Holly Kirby R 2030 N/A
Roger Page R 2024
  • Term Length 8
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment + House and Senate confirmation
  • Retention Method Retention election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment + House and Senate confirmation + retention election in the next general election 30 days after vacancy
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
Texas 9 0 9 0 0 Partisan election 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Nathan Hecht R N/A 2024
Jimmy Blacklock R 2024 2055
Debra Lehrmann R 2028 2031
John Devine R 2024 2033
Rebeca Aizpuru Huddle R 2028 ~2048
Jane Bland R 2024 2040
Jeffrey Boyd R 2026 2036
J. Brett Busby R 2026 2048
Evan Young R 2028 2052
  • Term Length 6
  • Selection Method Partisan election
  • Retention Method Re-election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment + senate confirmation + re-election in the next general election
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
Utah 5 0 5 0 0 Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate confirmation 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Matthew Durrant R 2024 2032
Jill Pohlman R 2026 AGE UNKNOWN
Diana Hagen R 2026 ~2046
John Pearce R 2030 2044
Paige Petersen R 2032 2047
  • Term Length 10
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate confirmation
  • Retention Method Retention election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + retention election in the next general election at least 3 years after appointment
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2024
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
Virginia 7 2 5 0 0 Legislative election 2027
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Wesley G. Russell Jr. R 2034 ~2043
S. Bernard Goodwyn D 2032 ~2035
Thomas P. Mann R 2034 UNKONWN
Cleo E. Powell D 2035 2031
Denham Arthur Kelsey R 2027 2035
Stephen McCullough R 2028 2046
Teresa Chafin R N/A 2029
  • Term Length 12
  • Selection Method Legislative election
  • Retention Method Legislative re-election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Legislative election
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2025
  • State House D
  • State Senate D
Vermont 5 1 4 0 0 Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate confirmation 2029
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Paul Reiber R 2029 2037
Nancy Waples R 2029 ~2050
Harold Eaton Jr. D 2029 2045
Karen R. Carrol R 2029 2053
William Cohen R 2029 2047
  • Term Length 6
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate confirmation
  • Retention Method Vote of general assembly
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + senate confirmation
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House D
  • State Senate D
Washington 9 9 0 0 0 Non-partisan election 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Mary Yu D 2028 2032
Susan Owens D N/A 2024
Raquel Montoya-Lewis D 2026 2043
Charles W. Johnson D N/A 2026
Barbara Madsen D N/A 2027
G. Helen Whitener D 2028 ~2039
Debra Stephens D 2026 2040
Steven González D 2024 2038
Sheryl McCloud D 2024 2030
  • Term Length 6
  • Selection Method Non-partisan election
  • Retention Method Re-election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment + re-election in the next general election
  • Governor Party D
  • Gubernatorial Race 2024
  • State House D
  • State Senate D
West Virginia 5 1 4 0 0 Non-partisan election 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Beth Walker R 2028 N/A
William Woonton D 2032 N/A
Tim Armstead R 2032 N/A
Haley Bunn R 2024 N/A
John Hutchison R N/A 2024
  • Term Length 12
  • Selection Method Non-partisan election
  • Retention Method Re-election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations + re-election in the next general election
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2024
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
Wisconsin 7 4 3 0 0 Non-partisan election 2025
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
Ann Walsh Bradley D 2025 N/A
Annette Ziegler R 2027 N/A
Jill Karofsky D 2030 N/A
Rebecca Bradley R 2026 N/A
Brian Hagedorn R 2029 N/A
Rebecca Dallet D 2028 N/A
Janet Protasiewicz D 2033 N/A
  • Term Length 10
  • Selection Method Non-partisan election
  • Retention Method Re-election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment + spring election
  • Governor Party D
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House R
  • State Senate R
Wyoming 5 0 5 0 0 Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations 2024
Justice Name Party Upcoming Contest Retirement
John Fenn R 2024 ~2032
Kate Fox R 2024 2025
Robert Jarosh R 2026 ~2042
Lynne BoomGaarden R 2028 2031
Kari Gray R 2028 2030
  • Term Length 8
  • Selection Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission recommendations
  • Retention Method Retention election
  • Interim Vacancy Method Gubernatorial appointment from commission + first general election after appointment
  • Governor Party R
  • Gubernatorial Race 2026
  • State House R
  • State Senate R

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FAQ & Terminology

Learn more about how AFJ put together this tool, and what certain terms mean.

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