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Allison Riggs for NC Supreme Court

Strategic Consulting | Messaging & Communications | Graphic Design & Branding | Digital Communications | Direct Mail | Fundraising & Compliance | Event Management

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Situation:

Justice Allison Riggs faced an uphill battle in her campaign to secure a full term on the North Carolina Supreme Court. At the time, Democrats had not won a statewide judicial election in six years, and Justice Riggs’ race came in a cycle where Democrats could not flip the court’s 5-2 Republican majority. Justice Riggs was appointed to the Court of Appeals in December 2022 and began campaigning immediately for a full term, only to be appointed to the North Carolina Supreme Court in September 2023, requiring a significant pivot in strategy. Building on lessons learned from Justice Cheri Beasley’s 2020 campaign and its agonizing 400-vote loss, Maven Strategies recognized that progressive judicial candidates needed a fresh, values-driven message to resonate with voters while adhering to judicial standards.

Approach:

Maven Strategies partnered with Justice Riggs from day one, playing a central role in every aspect of her campaign. We crafted a flexible brand and logo that evolved seamlessly when she transitioned from the Court of Appeals to the Supreme Court. To resonate with voters, we developed a values-centered message that primarily focused on the importance of protecting individual rights. This message aligned with voters’ concerns and reinforced her qualifications as a civil rights attorney and judge. Additionally, Maven oversaw her fundraising and email program in-house, ensuring a cohesive narrative across platforms, while working with vendors to produce an effective direct voter communications plan that integrated direct mail, television and digital advertising. Maven coordinated with state and national organizations to amplify support for her campaign. Recognizing the unique challenges of this cycle, we worked to identify and target the right voter universe, particularly in the primary, ensuring resources were deployed strategically to maximize impact. We also led the hiring process for the consultant team and pushed them to think creatively, ensuring the campaign reached voters and donors effectively. These efforts helped raise millions of dollars and provided the resources necessary to execute a successful statewide campaign.

Results:

Justice Riggs secured a full term on the North Carolina Supreme Court by a margin 734 votes, proving that a strategic, values-driven approach can overcome significant obstacles. Maven Strategies’ partnership was integral in every step of her campaign, from navigating rapid transitions to ensuring her message reached the right voters.

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