Judicial Candidate Won't Run If New Law Bars His Party Affiliation

A candidate for the only contested seat on the state supreme court says he'll drop out of the race if his party affiliation does not appear next to his name.

Raleigh attorney Chris Anglin filed paperwork this week with the state elections board asking to end his candidacy if his lawsuit seeking to be listed as a Republican on the November ballot is unsuccessful.

He sued GOP legislative leaders over a new law that removes a judicial candidate's party affiliation from the ballot if it changes less than 90 days before filing.

Anglin had previously registered as a Democrat but switched parties three weeks before filing. He wants the new law declared unconstitutional and his Republican designation retained.

If he prevails, there will be two Republicans and one Democrat running for the state supreme court seat. The GOP-led legislature cancelled this year's judicial primary, which means the highest vote-getter will win.