Friday’s hearing marks the beginning of a new phase of arguments, after both sides spent months arguing over whether the case should be heard by state or federal courts.

The Federal Court of Appeals ruled on Tuesday that the fight over North Carolina’s Supreme Court race will remain in state court.

Two recounts have confirmed incumbent Allison Riggs, a Democrat, as the winner of her North Carolina Supreme Court seat over Republican challenger Jefferson Griffin.

In a win for Judge Jefferson Griffin, his challenge to North Carolina Supreme Court seat race will remain in state court, with a federal court retaining jurisdiction of several federal issues, should they remain after state court proceedings are resolved.