The winners in all three races received more than 55% of the vote. Republicans have held a majority on the seven-member Ohio Supreme Court since 1986. In the past two election cycles, a new law required party labels for candidates for supreme court and appellate courts. Republicans swept the supreme court races in 2022 and this year.

Joseph Deters, Megan Shanahan and Daniel Hawkins were elected to Ohio Supreme Court seats, giving the bench a 6-1 Republican majority.

All three Republican Ohio Supreme Court candidates swept their races Tuesday night, giving them a 6-1 majority on the state’s highest court and striking fear into abortion rights advocates while giving hope to anti-abortion advocates.

Ohio Republicans have tightened their grip on the Ohio Supreme Court from 4-3 to 6-1 by ousting two incumbent Democratic justices and winning a third, open seat, the Associated Press projects based on unofficial results.

The race was one of several that reflected the increasing politicization and influence of state supreme courts nationwide.

Republicans expanded their control of Ohio Supreme Court on Tuesday by sweeping three races, giving the GOP six of seven seats beginning in January. The GOP wins come as justices will decide cases involving the abortion rights amendment that voters approved last year.