The race was one of several that reflected the increasing politicization and influence of state supreme courts nationwide. By Michael Wines Ohio Republicans expanded their slim majority on the state’s Supreme Court in Tuesday’s elections, turning back ...

Republicans retained their majority on Ohio's top court and are leading in a race to unseat a sitting Democratic justice on North Carolina's following an election cycle in which Democrats had hoped the issue of abortion access would help liberal candidates secure seats on state supreme courts nationwide.

Only about 1,000 votes separate two candidates vying for a seat on the Washington state Supreme Court. Dave Larson, who had 49.78% of the vote, was leading Sal Mungia, who had 49.73% of the vote in Tuesday’s results.

Ohio Right to Life endorsed the three Republicans for supreme court. Incumbent Democrat Justice Melody Stewart lost to Justice Joe Deters, a Republican appointed to the bench by Gov. Mike DeWine two years ago.

All three Republican Ohio Supreme Court candidates swept their races Tuesday night, giving them a 6-1 majority on the state’s highest court and striking fear into abortion rights advocates while giving hope to anti-abortion advocates.

Ohio Republicans have tightened their grip on the Ohio Supreme Court from 4-3 to 6-1 by ousting two incumbent Democratic justices and winning a third, open seat, the Associated Press projects.