Democrat Allison Riggs wins the North Carolina Supreme Court race, but the GOP scheme to overturn the election will do lasting damage to democracy.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The Republican challenger for a North Carolina Supreme Court seat conceded last November’s election to Democratic incumbent Allison Riggs on Wednesday, two days after a federal judge ruled that potentially thousands of disputed ballots challenged by Jefferson Griffin must remain in the final tally.

North Carolina Appeals Court Judge Jefferson Griffin (R) has conceded defeat in a contested race for a seat on the state Supreme Court, bringing to an end a saga that has lasted six months.