State judicial races are on the ballot in November. Here's what you need to know

This year’s midterm elections extend beyond Congress, with state Supreme Court races shaping the future of judicial power in nearly half the country. Voters in 24 states will decide on high court seats, including retention elections where incumbents face direct approval votes. These contests could reshape legal landscapes, from constitutional interpretations to landmark cases, with implications far beyond partisan politics. The outcomes may determine whether judges stay in office—or face replacement by new appointees.

The midterms are not just about Congress. While high-profile contests that will determine the balance of power in Washington have dominated news cycles, judicial elections are also happening in half of the country on November 3. State Supreme Court races are on the ballot in 24 states, with half of those being retention elections in which voters decide whether an incumbent judge should remain...