Republican Jefferson Griffin lost by 734 votes, but he has contested the eligibility of 60,000 ballots cast in the election.

The move gives the court time to consider a challenge by Republican Jefferson Griffin, who has cited debunked legal theories in his previous failed attempts to block Justice Allison Riggs’ reelection.

Democrats and voting rights groups are sounding the alarm after the North Carolina Supreme Court on Tuesday blocked the

Democratic incumbent Justice Allison Riggs — who abstained from the decision because it involved her own election — won the statewide race against Republican Jefferson Griffin by a mere 734 votes. Two recounts have since confirmed that outcome, but Griffin continues to dispute the election, leveling Trumpian accusations that Riggs won due to fraud.

The State Board of Elections is now temporarily blocked from certifying Allison Riggs as the winner in the Supreme Court election while the court considers her opponent’s challenge of 60,000 ballots.

Justice Allison Riggs (D) eked out a 734-vote victory over Jefferson Griffin. but the Republican challenged about 60,000 ballots cast by voters who have not provided election officials with their driver’s license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number.

Three counts show an incumbent Democrat won election to the State Supreme Court. But an unusual protest by the G.O.P. challenger could be headed to that same Republican-controlled court.

The ultimate winner gets an eight-year term on a Supreme Court where five of the seven current justices are registered Republicans.

North Carolina's Supreme Court blocked the election results for one of its own seats as Republican Jefferson Griffin challenges Democrat Allison Riggs's lead.