**Abortion Access Becomes Pivotal in State Supreme Court Elections**

In several key states including Michigan, Ohio, and Arizona, the battle over abortion rights has ignited state supreme court races, historically quieter elections that now bear significant political weight. Progressive candidates are capitalizing on the abortion issue, which has previously energized conservative efforts, in hopes of turning the tide in their favor.

In Arizona, a movement is targeting two justices who upheld a restrictive 160-year-old abortion ban this past spring. Similarly, in Texas, stringent anti-abortion rulings by the state's highest court have spurred a campaign against three incumbent justices up for re-election.

Montana has also become a battleground, where the election for two seats on the state supreme court has attracted significant funding from both liberal and conservative groups. The outcome could potentially overturn a critical ruling that currently enshrines abortion access as a constitutional right in the state.

For many years, abortion has been a catalytic issue for conservatives aiming to reshape the federal judiciary. Now, progressive candidates are hoping to leverage the same issue to gain control in state courts, believing it will resonate with voters and shift the judicial balance at the state level. The Michigan Supreme Court, currently held by a narrow Democratic majority of 4-3, has two seats in contention that could determine its future stance on key issues, including abortion.

As these state supreme court races heat up, the defining issue of abortion rights continues to play a crucial role, potentially reshaping the judiciary landscape across various states.