The judicial candidates that will appear on the ballot this November have been finalized. Earlier this week, voters selected Democratic candidate Daniel McCaffery to go up against Republican Carolyn Carluccio, for the one open seat on the state Supreme Court. McCaffery is a Superior Court judge while Carluccio is the President Judge of the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas. The vacancy was created by the death of Chief Justice Max Baer.
Voters will also select candidates to fill two open seats on the state Superior Court. Maria Battista and Harry Smail – hailing from Clarion and Westmoreland Counties respectively – won the Republican nomination. On the Democratic ticket are Jill Beck of Allegheny County and Timika Lane of Philadelphia. The outcome of the November election could tilt the political leaning of this court.
The state’s other appellate court – the Commonwealth Court – has one open seat on the ballot this fall. Republican Megan Martin and Democrat Matt Wolf will face off in the General Election to determine who wins that spot.
Prior to the Primary Election, Carluccio, Battista, Smail, and Martin all responded to PCCJR’s candidate questionnaire, providing additional insight into their individual judicial philosophies. More information on the Primary Election results, as well as the nominated candidates can be found in this Spotlight PA article.