RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The Republican challenger for a North Carolina Supreme Court seat conceded last November’s election on Wednesday to Democratic incumbent Allison Riggs, two days after a federal judge ruled that potentially thousands of disputed ballots challenged by Jefferson Griffin must remain in the final tally.

Griffin’s concession puts to bed a contentious and chaotic saga in NC politics, one that has raised substantial questions about democracy and may impact the state’s elections for years to come.

Justice Allison Riggs’s victory — by 734 votes out of 5.5 million cast — can be certified after Jefferson Griffin ended his legal challenge to thousands of votes.