Republicans Lead Judicial Races

Republicans hold early leads in races for two seats on the state Supreme Court and five on the Court of Appeals.

In the Supreme Court races, unofficial returns showed Republican incumbent Robert Orr leading Democrat Bob Hunter, while challenger Edward Brady led Democratic incumbent G.K. Butterfield.

The most contentious race pitted Orr against Hunter, currently on the Court of Appeals. Both men have been investigated by the state's Judicial Standards Commission.

Unofficial returns show Republicans leading in four of five appeals court races.

Republicans had a 5-2 majority on the Supreme Court and Democrats a 12-3 majority on the Court of Appeals going into the election.

A law approved by the General Assembly this year will make future elections nonpartisan, meaning the candidates' party affiliation won't show up on the ballot.