From The Conversation · Rachel Rebouché · · 1m 20s
State Supreme Court Races Decide Abortion and Trans Rights
State supreme court races could decide abortion access and trans rights in 2026.
In brief
State supreme court races could decide abortion access and trans rights in 2026. State supreme court judges will determine abortion restrictions and transgender healthcare access in 2026 elections. Originally reported by The Conversation.
State supreme court races
Thirty-one states hold supreme court elections in 2026 with voters picking judges for over 60 open seats.
Abortion law decisions
State supreme court judges will interpret whether state constitutions protect abortion rights or prohibit restrictions.
Transgender healthcare cases
State courts may uphold bans on gender-affirming care for transgender minors after Skrmetti ruling.
Skrmetti ruling impact
The Skrmetti decision allows states with similar bans to enforce them without higher judicial review.
Montana judicial races
Montana’s judicial races could shift the state’s top court from a pro-abortion to conservative majority.
North Carolina elections
North Carolina’s Supreme Court could become nearly all Republican if incumbent Democrat Anita Earls loses.
Michigan judicial races
Michigan’s Supreme Court may retain abortion protections if Democrats keep their 6-1 majority.
Ohio Supreme Court
Ohio’s Supreme Court could become a unanimous conservative bench if Democratic justice Jennifer Brunner loses.
What happens next
State supreme court judges will write the next chapter of U.S. law on abortion and trans rights.
The key point
State supreme court judges will determine abortion restrictions and transgender healthcare access in 2026 elections.
