Georgia Republican Justices Win Reelection Despite Democratic Challenges

Georgia Republican Supreme Court Justices Charles Bethel and Sarah Warren defeated Democratic challengers Tuesday despite high-profile endorsements and multimillion-dollar ad spending. Bethel faced attorney Miracle Rankin while Warren faced former state Sen. Jen Jordan. Both challengers received endorsements from former President Barack Obama and former Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.

Democrats spent over $4 million on ads across both races, according to NBC News citing tracking firm AdImpact. The Brennan Center estimated that Rankin and Jordan spent over $900,000 on TV ads, with an additional $243,000 from the American Civil Liberties Union on radio ads. Planned Parenthood pledged $750,000 in ad spending for the two candidates.

Bethel defeated Rankin by over 40,000 votes, securing 51.1% to Rankin's 48.9%, according to the New York Times. Warren won by over 358,000 votes with 59.3% compared to Jordan's 40.7%. The Georgia Supreme Court maintains a Republican leaning with eight of nine justices appointed by GOP governors.

Both Bethel and Warren were appointed by former Republican Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal in 2018. Current Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp appointed Justice Ben Land in 2025, who ran unopposed and secured a six-year term.