Friday’s hearing marks the beginning of a new phase of arguments, after both sides spent months arguing over whether the case should be heard by state or federal courts.

Jefferson Griffin, in his attempt to win a seat on the NC Supreme Court, is contesting thousands of ballots in North Carolina — including the ballots of 246 Wake Forest students.  The Republican candidate is running in opposition to Democratic candidate Allison Riggs,

Tuesday’s decision means Judge Jefferson Griffin’s challenge could eventually be heard by the North Carolina Supreme Court, the very body he aims to join.

The election is among the final Nov. 5 races nationwide still not settled.