In 2 states with judicial elections − Georgia and Minnesota − nearly every justice steps down midterm, allowing the governor to appoint a successor instead of the state holding an open election.
And some run for other seats that will be opened so they can vacate their seat if they win and the vacancy can be filled by the governor. If they lose the new seats election, they keep their current seat.
And some run for other seats that will be opened so they can vacate their seat if they win and the vacancy can be filled by the governor. If they lose the new seats election, they keep their current seat.