Control of State Courts Drives $57 Million in Ad Campaigns (1)

State supreme court elections—including some where control could change with the flip of a single seat—are driving $57 million in political ads as Republicans and Democrats vie for judicial power.

Roughly a quarter of all state supreme court seats are on the line, with 84 races across 30 states. Those courts can define, protect, or nullify laws touching every major policy, including abortion, redistricting, voting rules, and taxes.

The races attracting the most attention—and money—are “where democracy in general is going to run through state courts,” said Garrett Arwa, interim executive director for the National Democratic Redistricting Committee.

“These ...