Judicial elections in the United States vary widely. Some states run fully partisan judicial races. Others use a hybrid model, where party labels appear at certain stages (such as primaries) but not in the general election. A few states only use partisan elections for specific courts, like probate or lower trial courts.

As of recent election cycles, the following states use partisan elections for at least some judicial positions:

• Alabama
• Arizona – Uses both partisan and nonpartisan systems depending on the court
• Connecticut – Partisan elections for probate court judges
• Illinois
• Indiana – Mix of partisan and nonpartisan elections
• Kansas – Partisan primaries with nonpartisan general elections in some districts
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Missouri
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina – Partisan elections for probate court judges
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Vermont
• West Virginia

Important Context for Candidates

Even within these states, the system is rarely uniform across every judicial seat.

For example:

• In Texas, most judicial races are openly partisan, and party affiliation plays a significant role in voter behavior.
• In North Carolina, judges run with party labels, but ethical rules still restrict how candidates campaign.
• In Kansas, some judicial districts use partisan primaries, but general elections may appear nonpartisan on the ballot.
• In Arizona, many appellate and higher court judges are appointed through merit selection, while other positions may involve elections.

This matters because your campaign strategy changes depending on the structure:

• In a fully partisan state, primary elections may be the most competitive stage.
• In hybrid states, you may need to win a partisan primary but then pivot to a broader electorate in a nonpartisan general.
• In states with limited partisan races (such as probate courts), the voter base and turnout patterns can differ significantly from higher courts.

Always Verify Before You Launch

Judicial election systems can change through legislation or court reform. Before filing, confirm:

• Whether your specific court is partisan
• Whether party labels appear on the ballot
• Whether there is a primary
• Filing requirements for party affiliation

Your state’s election board or judicial conduct commission is the best place to verify the current rules.

If you’re considering a judicial campaign, understanding whether your race is partisan will shape your messaging, fundraising, voter targeting, and compliance strategy from day one.

Source: Ballotpedia

A candidate might want to run for judge because they have a deep understanding of the law and have a passion for justice. They might also want to be a judge because they are deeply committed to the law, public service, and want to give back to their community.

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In the United States, anyone can run for judge. However, they need to meet certain qualifications to be eligible.

The qualifications vary from state to state but generally speaking, one needs to have a law degree and be licensed in the state in which they are running for judge.

Some states require that a person must be an attorney to run for judge. Other states allow any qualified adult citizen to run for judge, regardless of their profession or experience.

Generally, judges often have many years of experience in law before they become eligible for appointment and training as judges. This experience is necessary to be able to handle the heavy responsibility that comes with the position. Judges also need strong communication skills as they will often be required to speak in public, or give speeches at conferences.

A judge is typically an individual who is empowered to adjudicate at a law court. Judges are trained professionals who are tasked to make decisions in a court of law. They interpret the law and apply it to the facts of the case before them.

The judge’s decision making power usually depends on the type of court in which they serve. Judges can be chosen to serve in a number of different types of courts, including civil courts, criminal courts, family courts and administrative courts.

Skills needed to become a judge:

• Extensive knowledge of law,
• Ability to make sound judgments,
• Excellent communication skills

To be a judge, you need experience in the legal field and be able to demonstrate an understanding of legal principles. You also need to have good interpersonal skills and be able to work well with others in order to maintain impartiality when presiding over cases.

Related:
Qualities of a good judge

Judges are usually elected by voters, appointed by the president, or selected by a state’s governor or legislature.

Some US states use partisan elections to choose judges, where candidates are nominated by political parties. These candidates are selected through partisan primaries.

In other states, judges run in nonpartisan elections. The judicial candidates do not reveal any party affiliation in the campaign. Parties might endorse candidates, but the candidate does not run with an association with a party.

Governor, county or state legislature-appointed judges are usually selected from those who have previously been elected as judges in their state or district. Depending on the state, they may serve for a term that is set out in their state constitution and then must be re-elected by voters if they wish to continue serving on the bench.

Presidential appointments are usually made when a judge retires or dies. The president also has the power to appoint judges to fill vacant positions. However, these appointments are not permanent and can be terminated at any time.

Additional information:
Judicial election methods by state – Ballotpedia